5 Greatest Tampa Bay Rays Hitters of All Time

Yes, Caminero has played only two full seasons with the Rays, and yes, he is just 22 years old. But the third baseman has already made franchise history with his power production.

In 2025, Caminero hit 45 home runs, the second-most in MLB history by a player age 21 or younger in a single season, trailing only Eddie Mathews, who hit 47 in 1953. He followed that with another impressive 40-home-run season in 2026.

Earlier in 2026, Caminero also became the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr., who accomplished the feat at age 23 in 1993.

A two-time All-Star, Caminero has quickly established himself as one of the Rays’ most exciting young players and has a bright future with the franchise.

4. Ben Zobrist (2006-2014)

Ben Zobrist was the ultimate “super-utility” player and embodied the “Rays Way.” His breakout 2009 season saw him post a .297/.405/.543 slash line with 27 home runs and an 8.7 WAR, earning American League MVP votes.

A two-time All-Star (2009, 2013), Zobrist helped guide the Rays to their first American League pennant and World Series appearance in 2008. He ranks third in franchise history in WAR (35.3), trailing only Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford.

MORE: 5 Greatest Pitchers in Tampa Bay Rays History

3. Carlos Peña (2007-2010, 2012)

Peña was a foundational figure in Rays history, becoming the heartbeat of the franchise’s rise to contention.

After signing as a non-roster invitee in 2007 following several difficult seasons, Peña delivered one of the greatest individual seasons in franchise history. He hit a franchise-record 46 home runs with 121 RBI and a .627 slugging percentage, earning the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award.

In 2008, Peña hit 31 home runs and won a Gold Glove Award at first base, helping lead the newly rebranded Rays to their first-ever American League pennant and World Series appearance.

He finished his Rays career with 163 home runs, which ranked as the franchise record at the time, before Evan Longoria eventually surpassed him. Peña also ranks among the franchise’s top five in RBI.

2. Carl Crawford (2002-2010)

Carl “CC” Crawford was one of the most iconic players during his nine seasons with the Rays.

He recorded more than 1,400 hits, 100 home runs, and 400 stolen bases during his tenure in Tampa Bay, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier base stealers. From 2003 through 2010, he stole at least 25 bases in every season except 2004.

In 2010, Crawford earned both the American League Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. Although he left the Rays after the 2010 season, he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in several categories, including hits (1,480), triples (105), stolen bases (409), and batting average (.296).

1. Evan Longoria (2008-2017)

He won the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Award and earned three Gold Gloves, three All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award.

He also finished in the top 20 of AL MVP voting six times during his Rays career. Longoria played in the Rays’ first World Series in 2008 and was part of Tampa Bay playoff teams in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in Game 162 of the 2011 season, when Longoria hit a walk-off home run in the 12th inning against the New York Yankees to send the Rays into the playoffs.

Longoria remains the Rays’ all-time leader in several categories, including games played (1,435), home runs (261), RBIs (892), runs (780), and doubles (338). He finished his MLB career with a .264 batting average, 1,930 hits, 1,159 RBI, and 342 home runs.