Tampa Bay Rays Opt for Long-Term Rebuild,Focus on 2028

The Tampa Bay Rays have shifted their sights toward 2028. They want a winner then, not in 2026. This offseason brought a wave of trades that signal a longer view.

DraftKings Sportsbook places Tampa Bay near the bottom third in World Series odds for 2026. They're projected to win about 80 games this season. If things break right, maybe 85-90.

The club sent Shane Baz away for five prospects. Brandon Lowe went to Houston, bringing back Jacob Melton, who ranked as the Astros' No. 2 prospect before the 2025 season, according to Baseball America. Since last summer, five of their six highest-paid players have left. Seven of their top 12 prospects arrived through trades since 2023.

Tampa Bay has parted ways with more than half of the 49 players who were on the 40-man roster or 60-day injured list when the season ended a bit over two months ago, according to Marc Topkin. These moves come after losing Wander Franco and facing uncertainty with Shane McClanahan's return.

The franchise has brought in athletes who make more contact. Both Brandon Lowe and Josh Lowe struck out over 25% of the time last season — worse than the league average.

Free agent outfielder Cedric Mullins and second baseman Gavin Lux strike out less than most players across their careers. The roster now features speed: Chandler Simpson, Taylor Walls, Melton, and new signee Jake Fraley can all steal bases.

Tampa Bay dumped several players who swung and missed too much. Christopher Morel, Kameron Misner, Jose Caballero, Everson Pereira, and Bob Seymour all left. The club seems willing to sacrifice some power for better on-base skills.

The Blue Jays, Yankees, and Red Sox all made the playoffs last season. Baltimore has spent big this winter after their letdown year.