Tampa Bay Rays: 2017 Season Review and Offseason Preview

What Went Right?

Though Evan Longoria is still the face of the franchise and the undisputed best player in Rays history, Kevin Kiermaier has become the star they plan to build around. Signed to a six-year, $53 million deal in the offseason, the center fielder played only 98 games as he suffered a fractured hip. But that was still enough time for him to lead the team with 5.1 bWAR. Arguably the best defensive whiz in the game, Kiermaier swung an adequate bat as well, slashing .276/.338/.450 with 15 home runs and 39 RBI. They need him to stay healthy next season.

As for Longoria himself, the All-Star third baseman put up solid numbers but came well short of last year’s resurgent campaign. He hit .261/.313/.424 (100 OPS+) with 20 homers and 86 RBI after posting a 127 OPS+ with 36 homers and 98 RBI in 2016. Now 32 years old, trade rumors may again follow Longo this winter.

Logan Morrison was a pleasant surprise, though he did most of his damage in the first half. Before the break, he was batting .258/.367/.564 with 24 home runs and 57 RBI, enough to nearly punch his ticket to the Midsummer Classic. He slashed a more tepid .231/.333/.452 with 14 homers and 28 RBI in the second half, but it was still a breakout season for the eight-year vet. Morrison will generate far more interest as a free agent this offseason.

Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza added even more power, contributing 27 and 30 long balls, respectively. In fact, the Rays finished sixth in Major League Baseball with 228 home runs on the year.

On the pitching staff, Alex Cobb was the rotation standout, posting a 3.66 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 179.1 innings (29 starts). Rookie Jacob Faria also did a fine job, managing a 3.43 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 86.2 frames (16 appearances, 14 starts). Alex Colome converted an MLB-leading 47 saves with a 3.24 ERA as the team’s closer. Tommy Hunter pitched well in relief, too, providing a 3.24 ERA in 66.2 innings.

Next: The Bad