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Rays "way too early" 2026 team awards predictions

ByMason Stacy|
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Sep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) hits a home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Sep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) hits a home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

In an offseason that completely uplifted the Rays roster from a season ago, you'll certainly see some new faces on this predictions list. We will create an "educated" guess on these seven team awards:

MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, Most Improved Player, and Comeback Player of the Year.

Without further ado, let's jump into our predictions for the most impactful Rays players this upcoming season.

1. MVP

Junior Caminer
Sep 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) celebrates in the dugout after he hit a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This was absolutely a no-brainer. In his first full season as a major leaguer, Junior Caminero put up ridiculous numbers. His 45 home runs were good for third in the American League and the Dominican infielder is still only 22 years old. We wouldn't be surprised if he competes for the American League MVP in the next few seasons.

2. Cy Young

Shane McClanaha
Jul 28, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The long-awaited return of Shane McClanahan will arrive in 2026. It's hard to believe that the lefty hasn't thrown a pitch in an MLB game since 2023, as he was regarded as one of the best starters in the game at that time. After back-to-back All-Star appearances, McClanahan was on his way to becoming one of the best aces in franchise history. Now, after two injury-ridden campaigns, the former first round pick will be pitching with a vengeance to prove that he's still one of the best in the sport.

3. Rookie of the Year

Jacob Melto
Sep 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jacob Melton (31) reacts in fron tof umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) after being called out trying to steal second base during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Rays added outfield prospect Jacob Melton in the wild 3-team trade that included the losses of Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum. The front office was clearly very high on this former Astros' top prospect, and they still expect him to compete for a role in the competitive outfield mix. If he can limit his strikeouts and let the impressive tools work, there's no roster spot too daunting for him this season.

4. Silver Slugger

Yandy Dia
Sep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) scores a run during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Yandy Diaz has been the Rays best hitter since 2020 where he posted his first .300+ AVG season. The 34-year-old designated hitter hasn't looked back since then as he is now starting to add power to his impressive arsenal with a career-high 25 homers in 2025. In possibly his last season in Tampa Bay, Diaz will definitely want to go out with a bang and improve his value in the process.

5. Gold Glove

Cedric Mullin
Jul 6, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) tries to catch a home run hit by Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The fact that Cedric Mullins hasn't been awarded a Gold Glove in his career thus far is a crime as his Orioles' tenure saw him make web gems nearly every night. Now, with a relatively easy path to center field with the Rays, Mullins will hopefully feel comfortable enough to return to his 2021 All-Star form.

6. Most Improved Player

Jonny DeLuc
Mar 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca (21) singles during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Jonny DeLuca has just been waiting to break out with the Rays since his arrival in 2024. We've seen spurts of greatness, but nothing too substantial due to injuries. Although Mullins will likely take the bulk load in center field, DeLuca can easily shift to a corner outfield spot and remind the Rays why they traded for him in the first place.

7. Comeback Player of the Year

Hunter Bigg
Aug 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Hunter Bigge (43) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Hunter Bigge has barely been able to get his feet wet with the Rays as he's only tossed 29 innings for the club. And after a scary scene last season left him with multiple broken bones in his face, baseball was the last thing on his mind. Bigge was struck by a 105-mph foul ball off the bat of Adley Rutschman. In an instant, his career was potentially over. Therefore, it's a miracle just to see him work his way towards returning as one of the Rays 2026 bullpen options.

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