Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Rays

 

The Rays managed to win 99 games without full seasons from their three best pitchers, and with their single most important organizational piece going up in smoke halfway through the year. Even if things went downhill after the monster winning streak to start the season, they still didn't let major setbacks stop them. A lot of teams this season had injury hits like the Rays did, or worse, and couldn't survive. But the Rays' organizational depth and win-with-anything attitude kept things moving throughout the season, and helped them finish somewhat strongly, even without Jeffrey Springs, Shane McClanahan or Drew Rasmussen being there for the postseason. 

Another sign of the organizational struggles this year? The best catcher in the depth chart for the Rays was Christian Bethancourt. Not that he's bad, as he certainly proved himself last year between Oakland and Tampa, but the Rays have constantly failed to find a successful long-term catching option, and Bethancourt seemed like another replacement option. This year, he hit .225 with 33 RBIs and 10 homers, plus some passable catching efforts. The Rays hoped that Francisco Mejia would pan out, and he couldn't stay healthy, so Bethancourt it is. Unfortunately, the Rays are gonna have to think of something soon, as Bethancourt has already moved teams twice this offseason. If nothing huge happens, uh...Rene Pinto, get ready for more reps, bud.

2024 Prediction: Primarily acts as a backup for Nick Fortes, but might be useful for some extra reps at DH.

Taj Bradley was an early call-up that was an early prevention against running out of starters in the wake of Springs' injury. Bradley started strong, but his inexperience caught up to him, and in 23 games he ended up with a 5.59 ERA, 122 Ks notwithstanding. Bradley's a talented homegrown hurler, the likes of which the Rays need right now, especially if he stays healthy. 

2024 Prediction: I think he's gonna do great, I'm just not sure if he'll be on the IL by June or July.

After their prior closing option joined his fellow pride month boycott members on the sit-out bench, it was down to Pete Fairbanks, who actually jumped on the opportunity after years of steady relief. Fairbanks finished the year with 25 saves, a 2.58 ERA and a 1.015 WHIP, making him one of the relief highlights of an inconsistent and merciless year for the Rays' bullpen.

2024 Prediction: Keeps the ninth and goes for 30 saves.

The Rays smoothest trade deadline move was stealing Aaron Civale from Cleveland, right as their rotation began to become even more crowded. Civale had a great first half with the Guardians, and now it was time to see if he could help the Rays compete. In 10 games, Civale had a 5.36 ERA and an impressive 58 strikeouts. Ultimately, the Rays had been eliminated from playoff contention before Civale even had a chance to start a game for them.

2024 Prediction: I think he'll even out in Tampa and rise to the top of their rotation. With so many arms looking to be liabilities post-injury, Civale will give them some padding.

In the wake of Wandergate, the Rays were suddenly questioning shortstop, a position they figured was locked up for the next decade, unlike Wander himself at this rate. Taylor Walls was a great defensive option with no offense. Vidal Brujan still hadn't come into his own, and he's now in Miami. So they went with organizational giant Junior Caminero, a high prospect that the Rays just assumed they'd need to trade for a starter anyway in a year. Caminero got 19 MLB games this year, and he hit .235 with 7 RBIs and a homer.

2024 Prediction: Not sure if he'll be the opening day option at short, but he'll get there and make it his own by the end of 2024. I'm also predicting his girlfriend will be his age, though I really hope that one isn't wrong either, or else the Rays just know how to pick shortstop prospects..

Coming Tomorrow- A few pieces of an extremely odd Red Sox team.