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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field on July 22, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Cautious optimism might be the most appropriate way to phrase things, but the Tampa Bay Rays received some positive news about ace left-hander Shane McClanahan. After missing the last two seasons to injuries, McClanahan is expected to come into spring training “fully ready” for the 2026 season, but according to Marc Topkin at the Tampa Bay Times, the organization will likely keep him on an innings limit to manage his workload.

While the move may not be popular with Rays fans, it’s likely the best decision for both the club and the pitcher’s future. The 28-year-old will earn $3.6 million this season and then will have one final year of arbitration eligibility remaining before he reaches free agency. A healthy season from McClanahan will go a long way in determining whether his future includes an extension to remain in Tampa Bay or if he becomes a likely popular trade candidate.

Shane McClanahan’s Impact is Clear

McClanahan was the 12th pitcher drafted in 2018, with the Rays selecting him 31st overall after two solid, but not overpowering, years with the South Florida Bulls. After just 127.2 IP over two seasons in the minor leagues, McClanahan made his MLB debut in October 2020 during the postseason, appearing in four games out of the bullpen while the Rays reached the World Series (losing to the Dodgers in six games).

McClanahan helped anchor the Rays’ starting rotation over the next three seasons, combining for a 33-16 record and 3.02 ERA (130 ERA+) over 404.2 IP with 456 SO (10.1 K/9, 28.0 K%). He pitched in two All-Star Games and received some Cy Young consideration in 2022.

Injuries have taken a serious toll on him since. His 2023 season was cut short by Tommy John surgery, which would force him to miss all of 2024 as well. He’d return last spring, but developed a nerve issue in his triceps that kept him off the mound for another season.

The Rays Rotation Needs a Healthy McClanahan

FanGraphs’ projected depth charts have the Rays ranked 14th overall, in the middle of the pack. Right-handers Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot front the group, with a healthy McClanahan projected to slide into the rotation next. Left-hander Steven Matz is likely the favorite for the fourth spot after joining the team as a free agent.

Right-hander Joe Boyle is the favorite for the fifth spot, but he’ll have competition from righty Yoendrys Gómez, who is out of minor league options and could be pushed to the bullpen.

Brody Hopkins, another right-hander, was ranked No. 85 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list heading into the season. The 24-year-old spent the 2025 season at Double-A Montgomery, posting a 2.72 ERA over 116.0 IP with 141 SO. He received an invitation to spring training, but will likely start the year at Triple-A Durham as depth.

Aaron Somers Aaron Somers has been writing about baseball on a global scale since the early 2000’s. His content has appeared at several outlets over those years, with most of his recent words coming at his To Be Named Later newsletter. More about Aaron Somers

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