The Tampa Bay Rays look a lot different now then what we thought we would look like at the end of last year coming into the season. Franchise 3rd baseman Evan Longoria, who seemed basically untouchable has been traded to the Giants. Corey Dickerson, gone. Logan Morrison, gone. Jake Odorizzi, gone. This is a whole new team that has a lot to learn with each other before the season starts. This team has basically been split apart completely but in the end I believe it's for the best.
When the Rays traded away these star players we got plenty of good prospects to help out the farm system and some can even play for the Rays in the big leagues this season. The Rays also signed veteran OF Carlos Gomez to a 1 yr contract. This could bring some balance of experience to the young team we have coming in. Overall the team's Outfield is going to be strong with Carlos Gomez, Kevin Keirmaier, and possibly Mallex Smith. The team also brings some really good pitchers in assuming Chris Archer stays healthy. Blake Snell has really shown improvement over the last couple of seasons and even though we lost prospect Brent Honeywell to Tommy John Surgery this could be a pretty stacked rotation which according to Rays Manager Kevin Cash will include 4 pitchers this season.
With the way this team is built I believe the Rays can snatch the final Wild Card spot in the AL and come in 3rd in the AL East. Will be a team to watch for in the upcoming 2018 season.
Alex Mesa
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