2 Rays who've played their way onto Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

People can talk all day long about how spring training means nothing and it doesn't count, but it's still professional athletes playing a sport for the world to see. If the player turns heads with their performance, then they will naturally be considered for a spot on the club's roster. On the flip side, if a player looks completely lost in the spring, then they could quickly find themselves in minor league camp. We've seen both sides from Rays players, but here's the ones that have stood out the most.

2 players who've played their way onto Opening Day roster

1. Curtis Mead

The Rays Australian infielder Curtis Mead has performed about as well as anyone in the league this spring and it has put him in a fantastic position as we near Opening Day. At the beginning of spring training, Mead was seen as one of the players on the cusp of making the roster in a bench/backup role.

It's not for lack of talent, but it's rather a testament to the depth in the Rays infield, especially after the addition of Ha-Seong Kim. However, his performance has practically cemented him into that role and we look forward to watching him embrace his time in the big leagues in 2025.

2. Joe Boyle

6'7 right-hander Joe Boyle has been another impressive player this spring as he shows off his imposing velocity against high-caliber lineups. One of those lineups that Boyle got the pleasure to face was the Atlanta Braves. All-Stars Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley had no answer for his masterful pitching.

If the former Oakland Athletic can maintain the command that he's shown so far, then Cash and company will have no choice, but to add him to the staff, even if it's a month into the season.

2 players who've played their way off of Opening Day roster

1. Shane Baz

In 2018, the Rays acquired Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow, and Shane Baz for two-time All-Star pitcher Chris Archer. This deal has now become known as one of the most lopsided exchanges in recent history due to the success of Meadows and Glasnow. However, Baz is the only one still with the Rays and he has yet to prove himself in the majors.

The 25-year old made his long-awaited MLB debut in 2021, but then missed the 2023 season due to injury. He's only been able to toss a total of 119.2 innings in his career with Tampa Bay, so this season will be huge for his future with the club. Although, there is one problem. The Rays currently hold six starting pitchers on their roster and they plan to carry five on Opening Day. That will unfortunately leave one talented pitcher out.

We're aware that spring training should not mean everything, but Baz has hurt his chances of joining the rotation with his performances to this point. The 6'2 righty has produced a miserable 9.64 ERA in his three starts, while striking out only four opposing hitters. The next start for him this spring will be paramount towards the coaching staff's decision-making.

2. Alex Faedo

The Rays acquired Tampa native Alex Faedo in a trade with the Detroit Tigers over the offseason. The mutual excitement of the Rays and Faedo were obvious as they hoped we could join a loaded bullpen and pitch in some high-leverage moments.

Unfortunately, the 29-year old's spring has only hurt his chances of being added to the Opening Day roster. Faedo's numbers reveal a sky-high 14.73 ERA with just one strikeout. In the hurler's 3.2 innings of work, he has given up six runs as opponents are hitting .286 against him.

Hopefully, this is just a result of working on pitches in spring training, but it definitely doesn't look good. The Rays could potentially add him to the Opening Day roster since he is out of minor league options, but the leash will be short.