By We are 26 games into the 2026 season, and we are starting to get a feel for what the Tampa Bay Rays will be this season.
So far, the Rays have been better than advertised.
Most preseason publications had the Tampa Bay Rays finishing last in the AL East, including The Tampa Bay Sports Journal.
Today, the Rays are in second place in the AL East, two games behind the division-leading New York Yankees, and 2.5 games ahead of third-place Baltimore.
The Rays have been competitive, creative, a little unorthodox at times—but very much in the mix in the American League East.
That has been the “Rays Way” under Kevin Cash: hang around early, make some adjustments, and position themselves for a midseason push.
The Rays have not fully clicked yet, but they have not been in an extended slump so far in the young season.
Cedric Mullins has been a disappointment as he has yet to be the offensive player the Rays thought they were getting when they signed him this offseason. Mullins is hitting just .145 with two home runs.
The Rays have yet to see Gavin Lux this season. Lux was expected to be in the mix for second base, has missed most of the season with a shoulder problem and is currently on a rehab assignment at Durham.
Overall, the Rays’ offense has been opportunistic, led by Junior Camienero, who has had multiple home run games.
Camienero can anchor the middle of the Rays lineup, and is a true impact hitter who can change the game with one swing of the bat.
Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz have also been key contributors to the Rays’ start this season.
Still, the Rays are not an overpowering offensive club night in and night out, and when the bats go quiet, they are not always able to compensate for that.
The pitching staff as a whole has shown flashes of dominance, but the bullpen has struggled with run prevention.
Starters Steven Matz and Nick Martinez have been better than expected.
Shane McClanahan is back and part of the rotation for the first time in over two years. He started slowly as expected, but in Saturday’s 6-1 win over the Twins, McClanahan had his best outing of the season.
He worked five innings, giving up three hits with seven strikeouts in picking up his second win of the season.
Drew Rasmussen has been good this season, posting a 2.45 ERA with two wins, and newcomer Jesse Scholtens has done well in his three games this season, posting a 2.93 ERA.
The Bullpen has been the Rays’ weak link so far this season, already costing them some games.
The Rays have the 26th-ranked bullpen by ERA this season, with a 5.43 overall ERA, with nine saves. The Rays have a 69.2 percent save percentage, with four blown saves.
Ian Seymour has struggled in a setup role, while Hunter Bigge struggled early but has rounded into form.
The bullpen has been the biggest surprise for the Rays this season, as they are usually one of the stronger groups. But this season, the bullpen has given up a ton of runs and has failed to protect leads early.
The Rays have missed Edwin Uceta and Garrett Cleavinger, who are currently on the IR. But, the bullpen has pitched much better as of late and has settled on Bryan Baker as their closer.
The Rays traded for bullpen depth, acquiring Casey Legumina from Seattle. But until the bullpen stabilizes, it remains the biggest concern for a team trying to stay competitive in the AL East.
