2023 regular-season review: Tampa Bay Rays
In a season full of highs and lows, the Tampa Bay Rays achieved the second-best record in the American League at 99-63 despite the obstacles they had to overcome including the loss of their star shortstop and injuries depleting a promising pitching staff.
With one of the lowest payrolls in baseball year after year, the Rays continue to churn out winning seasons in Tampa Bay and their front office has become the gold standard for its sustained success.
Let's take a look back at some of the key players and moments for the Rays in 2023.
Hitter of the Year: Yandy Diaz
(.330/.410/.522, 57 XBH, 78 RBI in 137 games played)
One of the hidden gems acquired by the Rays front office in December of 2018, first baseman Yandy Diaz has had a productive tenure in Tampa Bay, but in 2023 he had his breakout year.
Winning the first batting title in team history by hitting .330, Diaz also added a little more power to his game with a career-high 22 home runs.
With a new career best in virtually every single hitting statistic this season, Diaz was the heartbeat of the Rays offense doing most of his damage out of the leadoff spot.
After agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Rays in January, Diaz will be back to pace the Rays offense in 2024.
Pitcher of the Year: Zach Eflin
(16-8, 3.50 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 186 strikeouts in 177.2 innings pitched)
A rare offseason splash, Eflin signed a three-year, $40M deal with the Rays and he has looked like a bargain after a successful start to his Tampa Bay career.
With elbow injuries in the Rays pitching staff sidelining pitchers Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs for the season, Eflin stepped up by having the best season of his career.
The AL leader in wins with 16, Eflin also ranked second in the MLB with a 1.02 WHIP and walks allowed with 24.
With his ability to keep opposing hitters off the bases, Eflin will be crucial for the Rays success in 2024 as the injured pitchers recover from their injuries.
Minor League Player of the Year: Junior Caminero
(.324/.384/.591, 55 XBH, 94 RBI in 117 games played)
After destroying the baseball in Single-A to begin 2023, shortstop Junior Caminero quickly made the jump to Double-A despite being only 20 years old and continued to punish opposing pitchers.
With 31 home runs and 94 RBI in the minors, Caminero possesses a quick swing and his power has continued to develop as he has matured.
The Rays had seen enough and decided to call up Caminero to make his MLB debut on September 23.
In the seven games during his cup of coffee, Caminero was able to slug his first home run and drove in seven runs while looking more than capable of being in the majors.
With Wander Franco's future looking bleak at best, Caminero could be the saving grace for the Rays and has all the tools to fill his shoes as the future face of the franchise.
Play of the Year: Rays open 2023 on a 13-game winning streak
Opening the season with a bang, the Rays rattled off 13 straight wins to being 2023 and it started what would be a wild ride of a season for the AL East team.
Thanks to a seven-run fifth inning, the Rays were able to rally able beat the Boston Red Sox, 9-3, for their 13th straight win to open the season.
While they didn't break the record for most wins to open a campaign, their start was a big boost to their season and helped guide them into another postseason appearance in 2023.
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