Predicting Rays 26-man Opening Day roster

As we approach Opening Day at the conclusion of March, the roster is slowly beginning to come together. However, there's still competition within the utility roles and the outfield isn't quite clear yet. The relievers could also see a few switch-ups down the stretch depending on potential injuries and spring training performances. Therefore, we displayed a likely culmination of the Rays 2026 roster.

Infielders: Jonathan Aranda (1B), Gavin Lux (2B), Taylor Walls (SS), Junior Caminero (3B), Hunter Feduccia (C), Nick Fortes (C)

The infield situation became very clear after the trade that brought two-time World Series champion Gavin Lux to the Rays. The huge loss was evident with Josh Lowe leaving for Los Angeles, but a second base replacement in Brandon Lowe's departure was essential.

The catching tandem of Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes appears to be how the Rays will head into the regular season. Fortes is leading the pair this spring with a .300 AVG and one home run.

Outfielders: Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, Jonny DeLuca

The outfield picture is a bit more up in the air, but we're pretty confident with these four as the core to start the season. Mullins was undeniably signed by the Rays to be the everyday center fielder in 2026, and Chandler Simpson isn't going anywhere after displaying his game-changing speed last season. DeLuca was on thin ice after a few injury-plagued campaigns have left some uncertainty in his consistency. However, the former Dodgers prospect has been a menace so far this spring, hitting .400 with two extra-base hits and five RBIs.

Designated hitter: Yandy Diaz

Father Time may eventually catch up to Yandy Diaz, but it doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon as the 34-year-old slugger just completed his second-best season with a career-high 25 home runs.

Utility: Ben Williamson, Richie Palacios

This was by far the most difficult category to fill. Richie Palacios was definitely seen as the Rays utility-man a season ago, but he was held to only 17 games due to multiple injuries. Regardless, his ability to play many positions on the field makes him an easy candidate for this role. The New York native's speed and athleticism are just icing on the cake for his utility aspirations.

Ben Williamson arrived on the scene recently after the Rays traded for him in the 3-team deal that sent Brendan Donovan to Seattle. The 2025 rookie has played nearly every spring training game thus far and he's been consistently placed at.... shortstop? He probably won't take over for Taylor Walls at the paramount position, but the combination of his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to play excellent defense all over the infield gives him a clear path for this last utility role.

Starting pitchers: Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Pepiot, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez

These roles are as "set in stone" as they get. Hard-throwing righty Joe Boyle and crafty lefty Ian Seymour were flirting with the final rotation spot until veteran Nick Martinez claimed it with a definitive offseason signing.

Relief pitchers: Edwin Uceta, Garrett Cleavinger, Bryan Baker, Joe Boyle, Mason Englert, Jesse Scholtens, Hunter Bigge, Ian Seymour

The bullpen heading into the season has a few question marks. Will Hunter Bigge be ready for Opening Day? Is Edwin Uceta's injury serious? Can Ian Seymour and Joe Boyle transition to the bullpen? With that in mind, this accumulation of talent must be taken with a grain of salt. This is probably the best case-scenario without taking health into consideration, but other viable relief options are out there in left-handed pitcher Joe Rock and sidewinder Kevin Kelly.