Here are 15 Rays with something to prove this spring

ST. PETERSBURG -- The preseason predictions and analytical projections won’t be in the Rays’ favor this year. The rest of the American League East is loaded with splashy signings, big stars and high hopes. Tampa Bay will report to Spring Training coming off consecutive losing seasons for the first time in eight years.

So, it’s safe to say there will soon be a lot of motivated players inside the home clubhouse at Charlotte Sports Park.

Here are 15 Rays with something to prove this spring, specifically players who should make the Opening Day roster or have a chance to break camp with the team.

LHP Shane McClanahan: He quickly took his place as one of the game’s most dominant starters, but the southpaw hasn’t thrown a pitch in a Major League game since Aug. 2, 2023, due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue in his left triceps. Will the two-time All-Star return with an ace-like performance?

2B Gavin Lux: The Rays are giving Lux the keys to second base, believing that consistent playing time and a little certainty will bring the most out of the former top prospect. It’s a big bet, considering they traded Josh Lowe for Lux to take the spot long occupied by Brandon Lowe. Lux is a pending free agent, so he has a lot on the line.

LHP Steven Matz: The veteran hasn’t pitched more than 80 innings in a season since 2023. He hasn’t started more than 17 games since ’21. He’s been excellent as a reliever. But he wanted a chance to start, and the Rays signed him with that opportunity in mind.

RHP Joe Boyle: After trading for Boyle, Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said the big righty’s upside “warrants great patience.” They showed that last year, easing him in with a few stints as a bulk reliever and starter. His big league numbers were mostly unremarkable, as he posted a 4.67 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 28 walks in 52 innings over 13 outings (nine starts). Is this the year his production matches his potential?

SS Taylor Walls: He’s a game-changing defender, but he’s struggled offensively and with occasional injuries, including one that ended his 2025 season early. The shortstop job appears to be his to start this season. What will he make of the opportunity?

SS Carson Williams: The Rays and their top prospect (No. 63 in MLB Pipeline's Top 100) have said all the right things about his introduction to the big leagues last year. But the swing-and-miss concerns that followed Williams through the Minors were evident in the Majors, too. So, was it truly a learning experience that will make him better in the long run?

RHP Griffin Jax: He has ridiculously good stuff, but his surface-level numbers weren’t great last season. With Pete Fairbanks now in Miami and no longer around for the ninth inning, can Jax assume the top spot in the bullpen in a flexible high-leverage role?

OF Cedric Mullins: The longtime Oriole got off to a great start last year but hit just .198/.263/.355 after May 1, with those struggles magnified following a trade to the Mets. After signing with the Rays to stabilize their center-field situation, can he get back to being the guy the Rays saw in Baltimore for so many years?

OF Chandler Simpson: The Rays sent Simpson down for a stint as a rookie to work on his approach and defense, hoping to get the most out of his elite contact hitting and baserunning. Now, the second-year speedster should have a chance to secure a starting spot and -- pardon the pun -- run with it.

OFs Jonny DeLuca and Richie Palacios: DeLuca played only 20 games for the Rays last year, and Palacios has been limited to 21 since Aug. 1, 2024. The Rays value DeLuca’s right-handed bat and dynamic outfield defense, and they like Palacios’ approach, speed and versatility. Both just need to show they can stay on the field and carve out a consistent role.

OF Jacob Melton: The former Astro’s skill set has drawn rave reviews from his new bosses. Like Williams, he’s already experienced the ups and downs of his debut. How soon can he earn a regular role with the Rays?

C Hunter Feduccia: The Rays haven’t addressed their catching situation, so it’ll likely be Feduccia and Nick Fortes again. As a left-handed hitter, Feduccia could get a lot of work despite hitting just .151/.265/.209 in 36 games for Tampa Bay last season. He was a productive hitter in the Minors; this is the 28-year-old’s chance to prove he can be one in the Majors, too.

RHP Hunter Bigge: The hard-throwing reliever is coming back from a terrifying incident in which he sustained multiple facial fractures after being hit by a foul ball, so this is just a matter of showing he’s fully healthy and ready to reclaim a role in the bullpen.

3B Junior Caminero: He was an All-Star who hit 45 homers, drove in 110 runs, improved defensively and finished ninth in American League MVP voting last year. What does he have to prove? That he’s established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars.