Rays preseason capsule: Ace back, but bats must improve

Tampa Bay Rays

2024 record: 80-82 (4th place, AL East).

He gone: OF Jose Siri, LHP Jeffrey Springs, LHP Tyler Alexander, OF Dylan Carlson, LHP Richard Lovelady, LHP Colin Poche.

New faces: IF Ha-Seong Kim, C Danny Jansen, RHP Alex Faedo, OF Eloy Jimenez, RHP Joe Boyle.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Will the Rays score more runs? Only the lowly Chicago White Sox scored fewer in the AL last season, so Tampa Bay will hope for much more, especially after Kim returns from the shoulder surgery that ended his 2024 season in August. There is room for Jonny DeLuca to grow with more playing time, while Josh Lowe will hope to bounce back. The addition of Jansen also should help and provide strong defense behind the plate.

Top prospect: SS Carson Williams is coming off a 20-homer, 33-steal season at Double-A Montgomery. The former Minor League Gold Glove winner and No. 9 overall prospect per MLB.com, who continues to improve offensively, soon could get his call to the majors.

Breakout player: Junior Caminero began 2024 as one of the game's top prospects before earning his most significant big-league time by August. He hit six home runs in 43 games, but now he figures to slot at the hot corner and in the middle of the lineup from the outset.

2025 outlook: It will be an interesting season for the Rays, who will play at the Yankees' spring home of Steinbrenner Field after Hurricane Milton severely damaged the Tropicana Field roof during the offseason. Playing outdoors will test the team's depth in new ways, but the Rays will have ace Shane McClanahan -- healthy again following a second Tommy John surgery -- topping a rotation that has six capable options. Despite its struggles, the lineup looks similar to the one that finished 2024.

--Field Level Media