Tampa Bay Rays Roster: An Overview of the 2023 Team
The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for the 2023 season with an exciting and diverse roster. The team has been busy in the offseason, signing several new players and making some key trades. With the addition of several new players, the Rays are poised to make a run at their third American League East title in the past decade. Let's take a look at the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays roster and explore what the team has in store for baseball fans this year.
At the plate, the Rays are led by reigning AL MVP and 2017 All-Star, Kevin Kiermaier. Kiermaier is coming off an impressive season in which he hit .297 with 24 home runs and 71 RBIs. He's expected to be the anchor of the Rays lineup this season, and his presence in the middle of the order should help the team have a more consistent offensive attack. The Rays also have some exciting young players in the lineup, including 2018 first round pick, Nick Solak, and 2019 All-Star, Austin Meadows. Both Solak and Meadows are expected to make an impact in the lineup this season, and their presence should help the Rays offense be more dynamic.
On the mound, the Rays will be led by ace, Blake Snell. Snell is coming off a season in which he went 13-7 with a 2.95 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 180 innings. He's expected to be the leader of the pitching staff and should be a key part of the team's success this season. The Rays also have some exciting young arms in the rotation, including 2018 first round pick, Shane McClanahan, and 2019 All-Star, Yonny Chirinos. Both McClanahan and Chirinos are expected to be key contributors to the team's success this season.
The Rays also have a strong bullpen that should help the team be competitive late in games. The bullpen is led by closer Emilio Pagan, who is coming off a season in which he posted a 2.31 ERA and 16 saves in 61 innings pitched. The Rays also have some exciting young arms in the bullpen, including 2018 first round pick, Ryan Yarbrough, and 2019 All-Star, Diego Castillo. Both Yarbrough and Castillo are expected to be key contributors to the team's success this season.
The Tampa Bay Rays have put together an exciting roster for the 2023 season, and the team is poised to make a run at their third American League East title in the past decade. With the addition of several new players and the return of some key veterans, the Rays should be a team to watch this year. If the team can stay healthy and put together a strong season, they should be in contention for the playoffs this year.