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Rival Blue Jays placed ahead of Rays in latest MLB.com rankings

By Mason Stacy |
Sep 21, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) attempts to tag Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger (47) in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) attempts to tag Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger (47) in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays finished with an uncharacteristically average 80-82 record last season. It was the first season where the Rays accrued a losing record since 2017, when they finished an equivalent 80-82. In fact, Tampa Bay earned a playoff spot every year from 2019-2023. With manager Kevin Cash at the helm, the Rays have gone an impressive 819-699 over a 10-year span.

Despite all of this success, this team has difficulty gaining the respect of the rest of the league. It could be because they have yet to win the final game of the season in October, but regardless, the Rays deserve more recognition. In the latest MLB.com roster rankings, the Rays were placed at #14 amongst the 30 teams in the majors. We don't find this to be inaccurate as this roster has scuffled offensively for just over a year now. However, the idea that one particular team would finish above the Rays in these rankings doesn't quite add up.

Sep 18, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) comes off the field after a loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Sep 18, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) comes off the field after a loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays were given the #13 spot in these early rankings, just behind the Royals who lost to the eventual World Series champs in the ALDS. Now, this is not to claim that the Blue Jays are an awful team, but we believe that MLB certainly got it wrong here.

First of all, the Blue Jays finished the 2024 season with a 74-88 record and a last place finish in the American League East division. The Red Sox and Rays completed the year six and seven games ahead of their Canadian rival.

Sep 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Junior Caminero (13) talks with Boston Red Sox second baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Junior Caminero (13) talks with Boston Red Sox second baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Moreover, they had one of the worst offensive seasons in their franchise's history. Toronto finished the campaign with a .241 team batting average and 156 HRs. The team average was the lowest it has ever been in a full season since 2017 and the home run totals were the worst since 2008 when they hit a collective 126 HRs.

Above all, they struck out the fewest opponents in a single season since their 2018 year. Needless to say, the Blue Jays underperformed mightily throughout the season. This team has a ton of talented players that are trying to maximize their potential. Although, we don't agree with positioning them in the top half of the MLB, especially ahead of their division rivals that ended 2024 with a superior record.

The Rays will charge into next season with a healthy and dangerous pitching staff, along with some talented youth in the field. These rankings may not age very well come next September.

Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees / Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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