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Rays get snubbed from MLB Network’s top 100 players right now

It's probably safe to say there won't be any Rays named in this list, as despite the top 10 not being revealed yet it seems unlikely that there will be any Rays named in their final show.
ByCarter Brantley|
Jun 16, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) shown after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jun 16, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) shown after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Rays are like Rodney Dangerfield, they don't get no respect, am I right?

Alright, after that brutal start of a boomer joke, here's what actually happened; MLB Network has begun releasing their Top 100 RIght Now shows ranking the best players in baseball, and the Rays haven't had a single player mentioned through the first 90 players.

And no offense to any of the Rays' talented guys, but it's pretty unlikely they'll get any representation in the top 10.

So it's probably safe to say that the Rays didn't get a single player represented in this silly and ultimately meaningless list.

Which doesn't really mean a whole lot, because it's MLB Network and the national media is always going to try and highlight (understandably so) more popular players, of which the Rays have none (save Junior Caminero).

Junior Caminero
Junior Caminero boosted his national profile with an amazing showing in the Winter Leagues and getting to meet LeBron James, but he still needs to post a good season to truly be mentioned in these more performance-based conversations. | Allen Berezovsky/GettyImages

But even looking at their roster, is there really anyone that could justifiably be included on this list?

Brandon Lowe probably has the best case based on his current performance level, but even he is injury-prone enough to not really have a leg to stand on, especially with the potential move to first in a more full-time role to avoid further injuries.

Yandy Diaz had a decent 2024, but it was a pretty sizable regression from his batting champion 2023.

Yandy Diaz
Yandy Diaz has always been an analytics darling, but he unfortunately wasn't able to capitalize on his always solid under-the-hood metrics in 2024. | Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

Shane McClanahan was at one time one of the best pitchers in baseball, but after missing a season and a half it'd be a tough sell.

And the previously mentioned Caminero could easily end up on this list next season after making good on his immense talent, but this is a list for "right now," not for who we think is going to be good this year.

So it's frustrating to see the Rays, a very competitive, quality ballclub, not be included in a list like this, but there's also at least some logic behind it (although including Roki Sasaki seemed very Dodgers-propaganda-coded).

Ha-Seong Kim
Whenever he returns from injury, Ha-Seong Kim could make a decent case to be ranked in these lists if he hits enough, because his defense will always be solid. | Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

Hopefully the Rays can have a great 2025 (which they're perfectly capable of) and some phenomenal individual performances can bolster their status when it comes to these lists.

Regardless, the Rays are in a good place, despite what some arbitrary ranking of players says, and it should be exciting to watch this group go out and compete, even it's in a different stadium under difficult circumstances.

Here's to hoping there's at least one Rays inclusion on next season's list of these players.

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