Tampa Bay Rays 2018 Season Preview

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The Tampa Bay Rays were on the periphery of the postseason chase last year. Is it possible that they can contend once more in 2018?

Last year, unexpectedly, the Tampa Bay Rays found themselves on the edge of contention come the trade deadline. One of the bigger surprises in the game, Tampa Bay was even a buyer at the deadline, bringing in pieces such as Lucas Duda, Adeiny Hechavarria, and Steve Cishek as they attempted to return to the postseason. However, while the Rays remained in the periphery of the playoff hunt, they finished at 80-82, a surprising finish, but not one that led to a playoff berth.

This offseason, the spectre of the Rays cash flow problems reared their head once more. Franchise icon Evan Longoria was traded to the Giants. Jake Odorizzi, who had been the subject of trade rumors for months, was sent to Minnesota. Corey Dickerson, an All Star in 2017, was designated for assignment, and eventually traded. Steven Souza was also sent packing. And yet, even with these trades, the Rays still managed to bring in a few players, filling gaps on the roster.

Heading into this year, the Rays are once again expected to fall by the wayside. Those glory days from the late 2000s and into the early 2010s seem even further in the past. And yet, there was still a reason for optimism, given the Rays top pitching prospects. Unfortunately, injuries ended the seasons of Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon before they even began, leaving the Rays looking for answers.

Can the Tampa Bay Rays overcome these injuries and have a successful 2018 campaign? Or will this season be a bridge to the future?

Tampa Bay Rays additions and subtractions

Key additions: Denard Span, C.J. Cron, Anthony Banda, Daniel Hudson, Carlos Gomez

Newcomer to watch: C.J. Cron. Last year, the Tampa Bay Rays received unexpected production from Logan Morrison. They are hoping that Cron can take his place as a power bat in the lineup.

Cron has certainly been consistent in the power department, hitting exactly 16 homers in each of the past three years. However, he is coming off of a down year in 2018, with his .248/.305/.437 batting line the worst of his major league career. Cron also struck out in 25.7% of his plate appearances, a career worst.

An expendable piece in Los Angeles, Cron is expected to hold down the fort at first, at least until Jake Bauers is ready to take over. Of course, those plans can change, especially if Cron can become the dangerous power hitter the Rays need in the middle of their lineup. For now, he will get his chance to make an impact upon the Rays lineup, although Cron may want to keep looking over his shoulder.

Biggest losses: Even Longoria, Corey Dickerson, Jake Odorizzi, Steven Souza, Logan Morrison, Brad Boxberger, Steve Cishek

Biggest loss: Evan Longoria. The Tampa Bay Rays may have lost more players than any other team this offseason, and yet, it is the loss of Longoria that stings the most.

It will be difficult to replace what Longoria gave to the Rays on the diamond. Even though he was slowing down, his .261/.313/.424 batting line with 20 homers and 36 doubles gave Tampa Bay solid production in the lineup. He won his third Gold Glove last year, saving six runs as he remained one of the top defensive third basemen in baseball history.

However, he will be missed for far more than what he brought to the diamond. Longoria was the face of the Tampa Bay Rays, the franchise icon was remained when everyone else had left. He was the final piece remaining from the 2008 World Series team, a home grown superstar who provided a steady veteran presence in the locker room. While Matt Duffy may be able to come close to replicating his offense, the Rays cannot replace what Longoria meant to the franchise and his leadership.

What to expect from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018

In theory, the Tampa Bay Rays are in the midst of yet another rebuild. And yet, a few of their moves would not be indicative of such a direction.

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The Rays certainly dumped off quite a few of their higher priced veterans. The roster will look much different now that Evan Longoria, Jake Odorizzi, and Corey Dickerson have been traded. And yet, with the young talent the Rays have, particularly in regards to the pitching staff, there was still hope for the team this year.

And then, disaster struck in Spring Training. Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon, two pitchers that were expected to make an impact this season, were lost for the year due to Tommy John surgery. While Anthony Banda may be close to ready for a role in the majors, the Rays are going with a four man rotation through the first part of the 2018 campaign.

Even that strategy as filled with risk. Chris Archer may well be one of the better starting pitchers in the game, but the rest of the rotation is a question mark. Nathan Eovaldi is looking to defy the odds in his comeback from his second Tommy John surgery, which does not have a track record of success. Jake Faria and Blake Snell are talented, but they are still relatively unproven. However, if the Rays are going to contend in the coming season, they may well go as far as the rotation takes them.

On the plus side, if healthy, the Rays could have one of the best defensive outfields in baseball. Kevin Kiermaier is a human highlight reel in center, and may actually be the second best player in the game. Mallex Smith can fly, and has an excellent glove as well. Carlos Gomez is a solid all around player, and completes that defensive mindset. In a lot of ways, the Rays have returned to their defense and pitching roots.

Next: Rays updated top ten prospects

The Tampa Bay Rays chances of contending in 2018 are remote. However, with a strong base of prospects and excellent pitchers in the pipeline, they could be getting closer to the future. Prediction: Fourth place in the AL East.

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