Rays work magic despite perpetually low payroll

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Rays continue to work magic despite perpetually low payroll

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/27/23

With the best record in baseball at 20-5, the Tampa Bay Rays continue to perfect the recipe for a recipe for success that does not break the bank.

Ranked 28th out of 30 teams with a payroll of just under $74M, the Rays have built a winning culture that started when former manager Joe Maddon took over in 2006 and has continued all the way to the watch of current manager Kevin Cash.

With one of the best scouting departments and farm systems in baseball the Rays front office has found gems on repeat, whether it be through the draft, free agency or trades.

Prime examples are outfielder Harold Ramirez and reliever Jason Adam, both castoffs who have shined since joining Tampa Bay.

With an offense led by Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco and Brandon Lowe, the Rays boast the best in the bigs in numerous statistical categories including batting average, home runs and RBI.

Setting a modern-era record by hitting a home run in each of their first 22 games, the Rays boast a balanced attack up and down the lineup.

Make it 22 straight games with a home run to start the season ☣️ pic.twitter.com/YNIVVjZri6
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 23, 2023

Their pitching staff is led by Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen. With Springs lost for the season due to injury, the Rays briefly leaned on top prospect Taj Bradley, who posted a slick 3-0 record with a respectable 3.52 ERA before demoting him to prepare him for a jump to the big league rotation in earnest.

Also waiting in the wings is Tyler Glasnow, who was looking like a 2021 Cy Young candidate. Injuries that have limited him to just two appearances in the interim. With rehab almost complete, Glasnow will look to help the Rays push for their second American League Pennant since 2020.

The growing fanbase is also taking notice, with more and more people showing up to support their home team.

With more fans making the trip to Tropicana Field, the Rays recently announced that they would be opening up additional seating for next weekend's huge home series versus the New York Yankees, something they usually don't do until the playoffs.

The Rays seem primed to make even more history in 2023.

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