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Tampa Bay Rays: Projecting the 30-Man Opening Day Roster

By Seth Carter

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: A general view of the field on Opening Day at Tropicana Field before a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros on March 28, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: A general view of the field on Opening Day at Tropicana Field before a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros on March 28, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The Tampa Bay Rays are set to report to camp and begin preparations for the sprint of a 2020 season. The 60-man player pool is set and now we look toward the 30-man active roster.

Tampa Bay Rays: The 60-man active roster is set and now the competition begins for the 30-man active roster. Here’s my projection on how the roster might look at the end of the abbreviated training camp. Keep in mind, this is not exactly the roster I would choose, just how I think it may look.

Don’t forget to let us know what changes you would make in the comments below.

Tampa Bay Rays – Catchers

  1. Mike Zunino (R)
  2. Michael Perez (L)
  3. Kevan Smith (R)

The Rays may not bring star power at the catcher position but they have solid depth. With extra-rest needed it’s likely they start the season with three catchers. Kevan Smith is a solid veteran who owns lefties with a career .304 average and .435 on-base percentage against southpaws.

Tampa Bay Rays – 1B/3B

  1. Ji-Man Choi (L)
  2. Jose Martinez (R)
  3. Nate Lowe (L)
  4. Yandy Diaz (R)

So many guys that can switch between both positions. Brian O’Grady is another player who can play both corner infield positions, as well as all three outfield spots.

Tampa Bay Rays – 2B/SS

  1. Willy Adames (R)
  2. Brandon Lowe (R)
  3. Daniel Robertson (R)

I had to make a tough call here with Robertson and Wendle. I went with Robertson because I think the Rays like his ability to play solid shortstop defense with 474.2 career innings at the position.

Tampa Bay Rays – OF

  1. Kevin Kiermaier (L)
  2. Manuel Margot (R)
  3. Austin Meadows (L)
  4. Hunter Renfroe (R)
  5. Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (L)

There’s so much talent here. I’d prefer to see Brian O’Grady or Randy Arozarena here over Margot, but I believe the Rays think very highly of the former Padre. Should the Rays need to call on a player from the pool for an injury replacement or other, they have plenty of depth and loads of talent. They also mentioned Brandon Lowe getting some time in the outfield this past spring, granted, that was several months ago now.

Tampa Bay Rays – Pitchers

  1. Charlie Morton (R)
  2. Blake Snell (L)
  3. Tyler Glasnow (R)
  4. Ryan Yarbrough (L)
  5. Yonny Chirinos (R)
  6. Brendan McKay (L)
  7. Trevor Richards (R)
  8. Nick Anderson (R)
  9. Jose Alvarado (L)
  10. Diego Castillo (R)
  11. Colin Poche (L)
  12. Chaz Roe (R)
  13. Oliver Drake (R)
  14. Jalen Beeks (L)
  15. Andrew Kittredge (R)

Again, it’s good to be a Rays fan. I expect with abbreviated training camp to ramp up to the season, starting pitchers will be on a short leash. This will make having guys that work as a starter 2.0 very important.

Pitchers like Brendan McKay, Trevor Richards, and Jalen Beeks will have extra value. The opener strategy might be in full play this season. Ryan Yarbrough could lead the team in wins. It’s going to be a crazy season.

In extra innings, shutdown relievers will be very important. Nick Anderson might find himself earning more wins this season as his ability to strike out the side will play perfectly in the tenth inning when it starts with a runner on second. \

Next. The 60-Man Player Pool. dark

Let me know what you think should be changed here!

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