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Rays jump an absurd 16 spots in latest MLB.com power rankings

ByMason Stacy|
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Mar 17, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) looks on against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mar 17, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) looks on against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Respect is hard to earn for a team that joined the MLB less than 30 years ago and has only two World Series appearances. However, veteran fans know that the Rays deserve recognition for their ability to compete nearly every year against opposing clubs with significantly more money. This season has been no different as the Rays have come out of the gates on fire, seeking their first postseason berth since 2023.

MLB.com had the Rays toward the basement in the power rankings at the start of the season as the Rockies, White Sox, Marlins, and Nationals were the only clubs below them. There could be a few reasons for this, but we're going to stick to the theory of the "roster overhaul". During this past offseason, the Rays lost key contributors in Josh Lowe, Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Shane Baz. The MLB writers forgot to consider the impressive return the front office gathered for this 2026 club.

Cedric Mullins has been a steady glove in center field, and he's come up clutch on multiple occasions already this season. Ben Williamson was a very underrated addition to this roster, and he's contributed well as he's collected four doubles and six RBIs through the first 21 contests.

Nick Martinez and Steven Matz have arguably been the most helpful newbies for this Rays' team as they've combined to give up only 15 runs through a total of eight starts. Due to all of these great starts, the Rays are sitting pretty with a 12-9 record and only 0.5 games behind the first place Yankees.

This success has launched the Rays from No. 26 to No. 10 in the most recent MLB.com power rankings. People are taking notice and it probably began during the latest homestand when Tampa Bay swept their New York rivals in demanding fashion. A second sweep of the White Sox which was topped off by an improbable 9th inning comeback likely erased any doubts of this start being a fluke. It's still a long marathon of a season and many things still have to go their way, but you have to appreciate the way this team plays the game on a daily basis.

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