Tampa Bay Rays: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

What the Rays are Quietly Prioritizing in Bullpen Roles

With spring training officially underway for the Tampa Bay Rays, the team will be anxiously awaiting the start of the 2026 campaign. However, there is still plenty to figure out for the team between now and then. Following a very busy offseason, the Rays are hoping to be able to snap what has become a two-year playoff drought.

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The first Rays lineup of 2026

BASEBALL IS BACK…sort of The Tampa Bay Rays are set to play their first game of the Grapefruit League as they’ll take on the Atlanta Braves at Charlotte Sports Park.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 21

These Two Rays Players Will Be Worth Keeping an Eye on Early in Spring Training

Spring training has finally arrived for the Tampa Bay Rays and the team will be facing the Atlanta Braves in their first matchup. While some players will

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 21

Rays Should Sign Free Agent Relief Pitcher from Dodgers to Bolster Bullpen

The Tampa Bay Rays have been a very busy team this winter, and they are right around the corner from the start of spring training. Despite an active offseason, there is still an area that might be able to use some more help. Following back-to-back years of missing the playoffs, the team shook things up a bit this winter as expected.

MLB News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Live-Ball Era strikeout leaders' quiz

How many of the 36 MLB pitchers with 2,500 or more strikeouts in the Live-Ball Era (since 1920) can you name in five minutes?

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Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 20

Rays Veteran Once Again Mentioned as a Potential Trade Candidate

There may not have been a team busier than the Tampa Bay Rays when it comes to making trades during the MLB offseason. They were involved in at least nine trades, as detailed by Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) in an offseason report card piece.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players that could be traded during the 2026 season

The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, and it is never too early to start thinking about how it might unfold. Seemingly, every year, we have a decent handle on who should contend and who is likely to struggle, which makes looking ahead to the trade deadline inevitable.

Wander Franco News / MLB on ClutchPoints / February 20

Rays SS Wander Franco’s trial in Dominican Republic postponed

The legal saga of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has taken another turn. A hearing that was scheduled for Friday has been postponed to next month.

Shane McClanahan News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 20

Why Shane McClanahan's Spring Focus Matters More Than His Results

With spring training games set to start soon for the Tampa Bay Rays, the team will be excited to get on the field and get the season rolling. For the last two years, the Rays haven’t been able to live up to their expectations.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 19

Concerning Health Update Shared on Status of Rays Star Relief Pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen is going to look a little different for manager Kevin Cash this year compared to years past. Pete Fairbanks is no longer the team’s closer.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 19

Rays Wisely Name All-Star Pitcher Starter for Opening Day Against Cardinals

With spring training coming up for the Tampa Bay Rays, the franchise has already decided who is going to be their starter on Opening Day. It has been a very busy winter for the Rays, and the franchise is excited about getting back on the field in 2026.

Edwin Uceta News / MLB Trade Rumors / February 19

Rays’ Edwin Uceta Headed For Testing On Shoulder

Rays right-hander Edwin Uceta is headed for testing after experiencing shoulder discomfort early in camp, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta

Drew Rasmussen News / Field Level Media / February 19

Drew Rasmussen named Opening Day starter by Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays will hand the ball to right-hander Drew Rasmussen on Opening Day. Manager Kevin Cash told reporters Thursday at spring training in Port Charlotte, Fla., that it was "a pretty easy call" to start Rasmussen against the Cardinals in St.

MLB News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players who have the most to prove in 2026

The new MLB season brings opportunities as players head into their walk years and try to rebound from subpar performances. These 25 players stand out heading into 2026.

Should Red Sox trade for former All-Star infielder?

Mariners getting needed bat in All-Star Brendon Donovan via three-team deal with Cardinals, Rays

Giants CEO calls Dodgers a 'dragon to slay'

Yankees' latest endeavor points to a Jasson Dominguez mistake waiting to happen

Top of Phillies' rotation is elite, but also comes with questions

Nick Martinez News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 19

Rays Receive Shockingly Poor Grade for Signing Nick Martinez for $13 Million

Right before getting spring training started, the Tampa Bay Rays made a move to upgrade their pitching staff. They signed Nick Martinez, who has operated as a swingman throughout his career.

Kevin Kiermaier News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 19

Kevin Kiermaier's Influence Being Felt by Rays Young Star at Camp

For 10 seasons from 2013 to 2023, Kevin Kiermaier donned a Tampa Bay Rays uniform and anchored center field for the franchise. The four-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2015 American League Platinum Glove Award recipient returned to Port Charlotte to reunite with the Rays for the first time since his retirement.

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Tampa Bay Rays News / DRaysBay / February 19

Which player will make a leap this season?

DRaysBay works best as a place for community and conversation. Accordingly, in the lead up to the new season, we are posting “Daily Questions” in the month of February.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 18

The Rays Are Telling Us Plenty About Their Pitching Plans Without Saying It

With the start of games right around the corner for the Tampa Bay Rays, the team will be anxiously awaiting the start of the regular season. However, will the rotation be what’s key for them in 2026?

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 18

Breaking Down Whether or Not Rays Can Contend in Challenging AL East

With spring training games set to start in a few days for the Tampa Bay Rays, the team will be excited to get on the field for the 2026 campaign. However, the expectations for the franchise this year could be a bit low. This offseason, the Rays were one of the busiest teams in all of baseball, both in free agency and the trade market.

Junior Caminero News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / February 18

Junior Caminero Has Candid Response on Potential Extension With Rays

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was one of the most highly-rated prospects in baseball before making his Major League debut in 2023. More opportunity to play in the Big Leagues was provided in 2024 after his brief 2023 cameo.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Last Word On Sports / February 17

Who’s Out There? Rays Outfield Options for 2026

It’s hard not to look at the Tampa Bay Rays’ lineup for the upcoming season and fret over the plethora of holes they have in it. Shortstop was the position discussed in a previous article; now it’s time for the three outfield spots.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Yardbarker / February 17

Rays young slugger Junior Caminero open to long-term deal, but it's complicated

The Rays have several pressing issues that may be a barrier to any extension talks.

Top MLB prospects to watch in spring training games

MLB's three most improved teams

Breaking down Blue Jays' projected rotation for 2026

Brewers OF Christian Yelich addresses doubts about the team

Dodgers GM reacts to comments from Bryce Harper, Manny Machado

Nick Castellanos' ex-teammate responds to reporter throwing shade at him

Tampa Bay Rays News / Just Baseball / February 17

Top Rays Prospects Who Could Make An Impact in 2026

After finishing 77-85 in 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays will be relying on prospect talent to improve the roster in 2026. The Rays are known as one of the premier development organizations in Major League Baseball, and will yet again utilize their strong farm system heading into 2026.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Last Word On Sports / February 16

Rays Have Multiple Options at Shortstop This Season

As spring training games draw near, there are a multitude of positions that are up in the air for the Tampa Bay Rays, with plenty of competition expected in camp and throughout the beginning of the season.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Last Word On Sports / February 16

Potential Trade Returns for Rays Lefty Reliever

As spring training nears, news abounds about one of the key contributors to the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen, Garrett Cleavinger, who has been rumored to be “drawing trade interest,” according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Garrett Cleavinger News / MLB Trade Rumors / February 15

Rays’ Garrett Cleavinger Drawing Trade Interest

Teams interested in left-handed bullpen help have been calling the Rays about Garrett Cleavinger, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal writes. There isn’t any indication that a deal is close, and Rosenthal didn’t specify any clubs in pursuit of Cleavinger’s services.