There are plenty of competitive teams out there, from youth leagues all the way to the top squads in the American League.
The Rays, operating on the third-lowest payroll in MLB as reported by Spotrac.com, are displaying solid pitching, good contact, and an agile approach on the basepaths, reminiscent of their best seasons over the last two decades.
“What surprises me most is how we can score even when we aren’t hitting home runs,” remarked Drew Rasmussen, who has been with the team for seven seasons and was set to pitch in a game against the Yankees that got postponed due to rain. “In my years in baseball, it’s often about striking out or hitting homers.”
“It’s refreshing to see a team that can score without necessarily going deep. That sustainability factor is important. Teams that depend on home runs rely heavily on them to rack up runs. Sure, we love to hit them, but it’s great that we use our athleticism to stay competitive in games.”
The Rays (34-15) won their first four matchups this season against the Yankees, widening their divisional lead to 5.5 games.
Meanwhile, the Yankees, with a staggering payroll of $336 million, are leading MLB in home runs, while the Rays, with $108 million, top the league in sacrifice bunts, have the fewest strikeouts, and rank high in stolen bases—two spots ahead of the Yankees.
On the pitching side, the Rays and Yankees are neck-and-neck in the top five for both ERA and WHIP.
“I believe we’re playing very well,” said manager Kevin Cash. “We’re capitalizing on our chances with runners in scoring positions. Our lineup has a lot of contact hitters who can exert pressure on the pitchers, plus our overall speed has improved. The defense, especially in center field, is strong, and the pitching staff is solid, with the bullpen coming together nicely.”
In Friday’s game, a four-run inning that secured victory began with an error from the Yankees, featuring singles, a walk, a double, and a sacrifice fly that brought in a pinch runner.
And there were even two moments of dashing from first to third.
“It’s inspiring to see everyone playing a part in our wins daily,” Rasmussen noted. “It helps to keep everyone engaged and maintain our rhythm.”
The Rays’ lineup isn’t without its notable players. Former All-Stars Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Yandy Diaz could be the strongest trio in the American League, rivaled only by the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Ben Rice.
“Their starting rotation is impressive,” commented Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “They have key hitters in the middle and a group of speedy players that can disrupt. We’ve struggled against them, and we need to change that.”
Sometimes, it just takes a game in New York to shine a spotlight on what the Rays are achieving.
“These games could be pivotal come the end of the season,” Diaz said through an interpreter. “It’s about time people took notice. We’ve been one of the stronger teams in MLB for a few years now, and we deserve a bit of recognition.”
However, Diaz has a somewhat selective memory.
Yes, the Rays have made the playoffs five consecutive years, even ousting the Yankees on their way to the 2020 World Series, yet they finished below .500 in the last two seasons.
So, what’s changed?
“We’re adapting better than last year,” said Rasmussen. “We’re focusing on the basics: getting runners in scoring position and throwing strikes. It’s fundamental stuff, really, but it still works at this level. Players are willing to adjust their at-bats for the sake of moving runners.”
“What specifically? I can’t pin it down. It just seems like we play a well-rounded game, and that’s been key to our current success.”
Unlike other unexpected teams, such as the White Sox, the Rays’ achievements don’t hinge on a few standout players.
It’s more about a compilation of strong stats reminiscent of impressive baseball cards. Maybe, just maybe, it’s a formula for sustainability.
“As we got to know the players during spring training, I felt this was our foundation,” Cash remarked. “A roster needs to be well-rounded to succeed. So far, it feels like that’s exactly what we have.”
