The Tampa Bay Rays are getting set for the start of spring training soon, and the team will be hoping for a better year in 2026.
After missing the playoffs in 2025, it was the first time in eight years that the Rays missed the postseason in back-to-back years. With the rest of the American League East making some significant upgrades, it is not going to be an easy task to make the playoffs this year, but Tampa Bay believes that they can contend.
Due to their payroll being a lot less than all of the other teams in the division, the Rays will need some things to go right for them. However, they will be hoping that their depth and young talent will be able to carry them back to the playoffs. Furthermore, getting some players back and healthy could also propel them back to the postseason. If that is going to happen, one player in particular will be someone to watch.
Adam Berry of MLB recently wrote about some players on the Rays with something to prove in 2025. One of those players was pitcher Shane McClanahan.
McClanahan Has Something to Prove