Rays Keep Core, Chase Title
Tampa Bay re-signed starter Drew Rasmussen and retained its 98-win roster after falling three games short of the World Series.
By Jonathan Reed ·
The Tampa Bay Rays retained the core of their championship-caliber roster following a 2026 campaign that saw them win 98 games and capture the American League East title. The team returned to Tropicana Field after hurricane repairs and finished with the best record in the league, missing the World Series by three wins.
Erik Neander, the president of baseball operations, stated that the organization views a title run as achievable. He compared the team's proximity to the championship with the recent success of the Milwaukee Brewers. Neander emphasized that the front office intends to maintain the roster's structure during the upcoming break.
The 98-win total represented a major deviation from preseason models. Analysts had projected the Rays to finish fifth in their division before the season began. The team's performance exceeded those expectations while competing in a crowded league.
Starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen remains with the club for the next season. Tampa Bay exercised its contract option to pay Rasmussen 20 million dollars. This decision aligns with Neander's strategy to retain key personnel from the pennant-winning group.
Neander noted that keeping Rasmussen is essential for the team's future competitiveness. He argued that the likelihood of improving the roster diminishes if the pitcher departs. The organization has historically traded high-profile players to manage payroll, but this season's structure offers more flexibility.
The team faces a busy awards week beginning Monday. Junior Caminero is a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award. Manager Kevin Cash is nominated for Manager of the Year, and reliever Bryan Baker is a finalist for Relief Pitcher of the Year. Shortstop Taylor Walls also received his first Gold Glove award.
Neander acknowledged the financial pressures of maintaining a competitive squad. He said the current player group is less expensive than in previous years, allowing the Rays to pursue another championship bid without overextending their budget.
