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Ranking the most important series for the Rays this season

ByMason Stacy|
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Aug 19, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) and New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) talk before the start of their game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Aug 19, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) and New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) talk before the start of their game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

This season is still brand new, but there's no harm in looking ahead to the games that have been circled on every fan's calendar. These are the most important series to win this season as it will put the Rays in a position to make the postseason for the first time since their 99-win 2023 season.

1. Vs. Yankees (April 10-12)

The Yankees are currently running away with the AL East division title as the Rays and Orioles are tied for second place at 3.5 games back. However, Tampa Bay will face off against their New York foes this weekend for what will be a very important early season series. The starters for both teams haven't been decided, but we're sure Kevin Cash will employ Steven Matz, Nick Martinez, and Shane McClanahan for this paramount series. Can the Rays shock the world with a sweep and gain ground on their division rivals?

2. @ Red Sox (May 7-10)

This early May series in Fenway could honestly make or break this season depending on how the Rays stand at that point. After going a miserable 2-8 against Boston last season, the Rays looked poised to bounce back against them this season, especially considering their unlikely 3-8 start. Four games at Fenway Park wouldn't be easy for any club, but if this series comes out in the Rays' favor, then it could very well catapult them for the rest of the season, or at least until the All-Star break.

3. @ Yankees (September 22-24)

The Rays' second to last series of the season will be played at Yankee Stadium and it could either be electric and essential or meaningless and mundane. We're going to remain hopeful that this series will hold some weight in deciding the Rays' fate (whether it's for a division title or wild card positioning). If there's any shot at winning the division for this 2026 team from Tampa, then this late September series will be the most important three games they've played in a long time. Getting back to the postseason is of high importance for the Rays this season as they've played below expectations for the last few seasons and the MLB is beginning to doubt them once again.

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