Tampa Bay Rays News & Updates

March 22, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays Headlines

The Rays are facing their left-handed hitting woes head-on as they finalize their Opening Day roster, bringing utilityman Ryan Vilade onto the squad to help ease the burden on shortstop Taylor Walls while adding some depth to the infield. Last season, the team struggled against lefties with a paltry 85 wRC+, ranking them among the league's worst. Meanwhile, Chandler Simpson, known for his speed, surprised everyone by hitting his first career home run, proving he can add more than just wheels to the lineup. As for the closer role, fans are still in the dark, with many unsure about Bryan Baker stepping into that spotlight despite the team's pitching lab potentially transforming his skills. With Opening Day looming, the Rays have plenty to sort out, but the excitement for the new season is palpable.

Sources

Leveraging lefties and a possible Opening Day lineup

Leveraging lefties and a possible Opening Day lineup

It’s no surprise the Rays’ offense struggled against left-handed pitching last season. They produced an 85 wRC+ which was the 9th worst of any team in the league. That issue was compounded by volume as Rays hitters saw more left-handed pitching than almost any team in baseball; Rays batters had 1,860 PA vs LHP, second […]

Rays Reacts Results: What closer?

Rays Reacts Results: What closer?

For this week’s Reacts poll, we asked who y’all expected to be the Rays closer in 2026, and the majority said… NOBODY! Very few seemed to agree with my assessment that Baker is in line for the starring role this season, but I’m excited to see what the Rays pitching lab might unlock there. As […]

Rays Roster Notes: Vilade, Palacios, Boyle

Rays Roster Notes: Vilade, Palacios, Boyle

Utilityman Ryan Vilade has made the Rays’ Opening Day roster, manager Kevin Cash told reporters, including Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 27-year-old was acquired in a trade with the Reds early in the offseason. Vilade could fill in around the infield while shortstop Taylor Walls is sidelined. Vilade has spent parts of […]

Chandler Simpson power hour: Speedster clears fence for first time in career

Chandler Simpson power hour: Speedster clears fence for first time in career

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Chandler Simpson: fastest man in baseball and … home run hitter? OK, maybe not, but the Rays speedster can now say that he has hit a home run in a Major League uniform.

Vilade makes club as Rays mull bullpen, shortstop decisions near Opening Day

Vilade makes club as Rays mull bullpen, shortstop decisions near Opening Day

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Rays’ Opening Day roster is not yet set, but it is coming into clearer focus. After they optioned infielder/outfielder Richie Palacios, outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy and right-hander Joe Boyle to Triple-A Durham on Friday, the Rays informed infielder/outfielder Ryan Vilade that he will make the team.