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?