2025 MLB First-Half Recap: Tampa Bay Rays

The Pitching

The Good

Despite what’s been some uneven results here and there from the Rays’ rotation, Tampa’s been able to roll out five starters consistently.

Aside from Joe Boyle for one start, the Rays have exclusively relied on five starters — Zack Littell, Drew Rasmussen, Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, and Shane Baz — who have all made 19+ starts this season. Aside from the Angels, the Rays are the only team to have five pitchers start 18 or more games.

That longevity matters, especially in an era of constant pitching injuries. Remember, the Rays have not had former All-Star Shane McClanahan this season yet, as well. And, the results have been relatively good.

Drew Rasmussen’s ground-ball lean (55% GB%) has helped him significantly limit well-hit contact in Steinbrenner Field, which has proved to be a hitter-friendly park. Ryan Pepiot, meanwhile, struck out 110 over 114 and has been a workhorse, leading in the Majors in total starts.

As for their bullpen, the Rays have depth there, highlighted by closer Pete Fairbanks, Edwin Uceta, and the recently acquired right-hander Bryan Baker.

Offensively, the Rays have caused havoc with both their speed and their bats.

Tampa has four players in double-digits with stolen bases, including Chandler Simpson (26) and MLB league leader Jose Caballero (31).

And as for their bats, the Rays saw Jonathan Aranda turn from a prospect pushing for a spot to a 2025 All-Star. He’s hit for power and posted a .399 OBP in the first half. Aranda was one of three All-Star hitters for the Rays, as he joined Brandon Lowe. Lowe, who was healthy for almost all of the first half, hit 19 home runs.

However, the centerpiece of the team has been Junior Caminero, a flawed yet spectacular power hitter. Caminero is prone to rolling over, leading the league in GIDP (25). He also has a swing that is roughly one foot longer than the league average. But, the power can’t be denied.

Caminero hit 23 home runs over the first half.

The Bad

While the Rays have maintained a healthy rotation, the results from both Zach Littell and Taj Bradley have been all over the place.

Bradley, who the Rays are reportedly willing to listen to with respect to trade offers, has been an interesting case. Traditionally, a strikeout pitcher, the well-hit batted ball (4.1 Barrel/PA) has been fine. However, his strikeout numbers and walk rates have fallen by the wayside.

His -2.1 K/9 rate from 2024 to 2025 is second-worst in the Majors, with Zack Littell — who conceded a MLB-high 24 home runs in the first half — in seventh (-1.9).

As for their offense, the Rays have sacrificed offensive punch in certain areas in exchange for defensive prowess.

Shortstop Taylor Walls (+3 Outs Above Average) has never been an above-average hitter. Walls does, however, prove his value by covering ground and making plays at shortstop.

And despite a strong start to 2025, Kameron Misner posted a .618 OPS across his first 71 games of the season. He will strike out a lot (31.8% K%), a theme throughout his pro career. But, the +4 OAA proves his value.

What to Expect in Second Half

The Rays will have to withstand what will be a tough second half, as roughly 57% of Tampa’s second-half games will be on the road.

If Tampa can, the Rays could make it back to October and host playoff games in Steinbrenner Field — a statement that would have sounded very odd a year ago.

But before then, the Rays will need to see if the team can bring back key injured players, including their All-Star second baseman, and Shane McClanahan.