One big question for the Rays ahead of Winter Meetings -- is there enough starting pitching?

TAMPA -- The Rays have plenty of starting pitchers on their roster. They have some upside to dream on, especially with the expected return of Shane McClanahan. They have reason to believe their pitching staff will fare better next year back in the friendlier confines of Tropicana Field.

Still, there is a question the Rays must answer with the Winter Meetings on deck next week: Do they have enough starting pitching?

You could easily argue that they have greater and more glaring needs. They must figure out their outfield configuration and improve that group’s production. They could use more proven options behind the plate. Having more competition at shortstop will only help.

But they are open to acquiring a veteran starter, too, even with the understanding that such an addition could consume a decent portion of their typically modest budget.

“I think we really like the talent and the starters that we have, without question,” president of baseball operations Erik Neander said recently. “But I think we've also appreciated -- you saw it this past year between Zack Littell and Adrian Houser -- just having somebody that you know every fifth day you give the ball to, and they’ve got a chance to keep you in the game and go deep and cover some innings and be dependable. It’s helpful.”

The Rays could attempt to bring back Littell, whose durability and dependability perfectly fit Neander’s description, although the 30-year-old right-hander is likely to find a bigger deal elsewhere after turning into a remarkably effective starter during his three seasons with the Rays before being traded to the Reds at the Trade Deadline.

They could pursue a reunion with Houser, the 32-year-old right-hander they acquired in a Deadline deal with the White Sox to essentially replace Littell in their rotation. Houser’s numbers with the Rays weren’t great, as he posted a 4.79 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 10 starts, but he worked at least five innings in all but one of those outings and covered at least six innings in half of them. And he showed how effective he can be during his early-season stint in Chicago.

Another candidate to return who could satisfy their need? Zach Eflin. It would almost be fitting, given the circumstances. The Rays signed Eflin to a three-year, $40 million contract three years ago, moving aggressively to sign a starter at a time they were expected to prioritize offensive additions.

Eflin was excellent for the Rays in 2023 (16-8, 3.50 ERA in 177 2/3 innings over 31 starts) and made 19 solid starts for them in ’24 before moving to the Orioles as part of Tampa Bay’s Trade Deadline sell-off. Eflin was terrific for Baltimore down that stretch, but he struggled to a 5.93 ERA while making only 14 starts this past season.

There are other starters available (through free agency or trade) who could help fill the team’s needs, but those three familiar faces should provide a sense of what they’re looking for.

And why would they be in the market in the first place? Consider who’s coming back.

Ryan Pepiot, Shane Baz and All-Star Drew Rasmussen each reached an important milestone by making 31 starts in 2025, but they did so while racking up career-high innings -- 167 2/3 for Pepiot, 166 1/3 for Baz and 150 for Rasmussen -- and there is no guarantee they will reach those marks again.

Then there’s McClanahan, who hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since 2023 due to his second Tommy John surgery and a freak nerve injury in his left triceps that he couldn’t overcome this year.

When healthy, McClanahan was one of the best pitchers in baseball, period. He’s throwing this offseason, and is expected to be ready for Spring Training, but how much can the Rays reasonably ask or expect of him, considering the time he’s missed?

The Rays have some depth behind those four, but no sure things. Left-hander Ian Seymour made some impressive starts down the stretch, but he must show he can do it consistently. Hard-throwing Joe Boyle flashed big-time talent in the Majors and Minors in his first year with the Rays but still hasn’t found success at the highest level.

The club is intrigued by recently acquired right-hander Yoendrys Gómez, but he’s out of Minor League options and may wind up in a multi-inning relief role if he doesn’t break camp in the rotation. Top pitching prospect Brody Hopkins has front-of-the-rotation stuff, but he spent last season in Double-A.

With all that in mind, why not add a proven arm to the mix?

“We have some room for improvement on both sides, but I think a few more veterans can potentially help,” Neander said. “It’s really, really early in the process. Just trying to get an understanding of what's out there.”