Predicting the results of the Rays' first 3 series of the 2026 season

The Rays will open their first three series of the season on the road which could be a blessing and a curse. As they prep the new and improved Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay will travel to St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Minnesota. The overall talent of these clubs isn't overwhelming (besides the Brewers of course), but it will surely be a test to play nine straight road games to start the season.

Tampa Bay Rays @ St. Louis Cardinals (March 26th, 28th, and 29th)

This opening series will likely be a confidence builder for the Rays as the Cardinals are in full rebuild mode. Over the offseason, they traded away ace starter Sonny Gray, dominant closer Ryan Helsley, trustee contact hitter Brendan Donovan, and 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado. Their roster will now be led by "veterans" Masyn Winn and Lars Nootbaar. Both athletes are 28 years old or younger, so the youth of this club will need to prove themselves.

Prediction: Rays win first and third game of the series, but get stifled by former Dodgers hurler, Dustin May in the second game. (2-1 to start the season)

Tampa Bay Rays @ Milwaukee Brewers (March 30th, 31st, and April 1st)

The Brewers performed way above expectations last season as they finished with an MLB-best 97 wins. However, they lost some key players this offseason in Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin. This scrappy club still can't be underestimated as their management and clubhouse chemistry appears to be unmatched.

Prediction: Rays win the first game, but drop the next two as the back end of the rotation struggles. (3-3 overall record)

Tampa Bay Rays @ Minnesota Twins (April 3rd, 4th, and 5th)

The Twins are in similar situation as the Cardinals, but possibly worse as they lost eight more games than the NL Central club in 2025. Minnesota will be led by speedy outfielder Byron Buxton and 2026 ace starter Joe Ryan. Pablo Lopez will miss the entirety of the season due to a UCL injury, but they also have former Rays hurler Taj Bradley in their repertoire. Although, we're predicting the Rays to bring out the brooms for the first time this season.