The Tampa Bay Rays are entering the point at which the offseason activity is coming to a close. It’s all about who you’ve got and what they can do with that opportunity. Unlike their Bronx counterparts, the New York Yankees, who are largely running it back with a similar team, the 2026 Rays will have a different appearance than the 2025 roster. Let’s hope it produces different and better results! 

The Rays are banking on the top half of their lineup to carry the weaker half. Can Junior Caminero hit another 40+ home runs after opposing pitchers make their adjustments against him? Does the young pitching staff stay healthy and perform for a full regular season? These questions will eventually be answered, but here are some Rays players who could surpass expectations this season.    

Three Rays Primed to Exceed Expectations in 2026
Ryan Pepiot

Ryan Pepiot had a sneakily disappointing 2025 season, even though he remained healthy for the first time in his young career. He came over in the Tyler Glasnow trade a few years ago and has been durable since his debut in Tampa Bay. He posted a 3.86 ERA while striking out 24.6% and walking 9% of batters last season. On the other hand, Pepiot’s average exit velocity of 90.1 MPH and 42.5% hard-hit rate were below league average last season. Worryingly, he yielded a career-high 26 home runs in 167 2/3 innings last season.

Ryan Pepiot’s return for #Rays doesn’t go well, nor does game vs. #BlueJays https://t.co/EicCZRctXa

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 17, 2025

Pepiot must prove that he is more than a mid-rotation pitcher. There is reason to be optimistic, with a .259 BABIP that clocks in around his career norms. A .226 xBA placed him in the 70th percentile in baseball. Still only 28, Pepiot is under team control through the 2028 season and making only around $4 million in arbitration. If you squint, you could see the outlines of a Shane Baz 2.0. The Rays can only hope that Pepiot will capitalize on his potential next season.

Taylor Walls

Taylor Walls, 29, will be relied upon early in the season. There is literally no one else on the shortstop depth chart besides one of the Rays’ top prospects. Walls will be ticketed for the everyday shortstop job as the Rays play a difficult early portion of their schedule. He’s a light hitter but provides an incredible amount of upside on the defensive end. Owner of a .195/.286/.298 career batting line, Walls posted a career-best 2.6 WAR last season because of his defensive prowess. Walls even showcased 20+ stolen base abilities a few years ago. Bottom line, the native of Georgia will be the Rays’ answer at shortstop from the outset.

If Carson Williams eventually wins the starting shortstop job, then Walls can shift over to second base. Williams, 22, may not be ready for an everyday role after he struck out 44 times while batting .172 in 32 games last season. This isn’t the first time he has posted high whiff numbers in his career. Williams definitely has the right mindset and should benefit from the experience. Walls will have a lot to prove in the meantime.

Cedric Mullins

Cedric Mullins, 31, was signed to a one-year, $7 million contract by the Rays in early December. Mullins had a very disappointing 2025 season as the Baltimore Orioles tumbled to the bottom of the American League East division. The Rays will hope for a turnaround after he slashed .216/.299/.690 with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, and a 94 wRC+ in 133 games between the Mets and Orioles. His numbers with the Mets completely fell off a cliff.

Cedric Mullins in his one season with the Mets:

42 G
.182 BA
.284 OBP
.565 OPS
2 HR
10 RBIs
8 SB

A swing-and-a-miss from David Stearns. pic.twitter.com/Wdi9G1yZDN

— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) December 3, 2025

Mullins can still play an incredibly important role for the Rays. He drew walks at a career-high 10% clip (71st percentile). His 35.9% hard-hit rate is a few ticks under his career average. This is still a guy who posted 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases a few years ago. Still only 31, Mullins on a one-year deal is perfect if he provides 2-4 WAR production, as he did prior to 2025. The Rays are counting on Mullins to stabilize their young lineup. 

 

Main Photo Credit: © Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images