The Rays are heading into an offseason with familiar pressure and a fresh set of questions after coming up short in the World Series. The big-picture goal is clear: build a roster good enough to get back to the Fall Classic in 2027. The harder part is figuring out how Tampa Bay gets there.
One of the first debates centers on Kevin Cash and the American League Manager of the Year Award. Michael Brauner said the race was close enough that “These awards are so subjective.
Yes, Cash had a great case, and nobody would have made a huge fuss had he won, but what Venable did with a team that is a couple of years removed from one of the worst seasons in history is incredible.” Christian Rauh took the other side, saying, “I certainly believe so.
Cash deserved to win the award after leading Tampa Bay to 98 victories and the best record in the American League. However, it's difficult to argue against what Venable accomplished in Chicago.
Both managers had impressive seasons, but considering the Rays expectations entering the year, Cash had just as strong of an argument.”
The rotation is the next major issue, especially with Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta testing free agency. Brauner said Tampa Bay needs pitchers who can soak up innings and provide steady production, adding that the club will never be at the top of the market for starting pitching, but “someone like Martinez last year would be great.” Rauh pointed directly at Martinez as a priority, calling him one of the Rays’ biggest offseason targets because the team needs dependable arms and the price likely makes sense.
Shortstop is another spot that needs attention. Brauner said Taylor Walls should still have a role, but likely in a platoon with someone who can offer more offense.
Rauh was even more direct, saying Tampa Bay needs to look elsewhere at the position. He noted that Walls’ defense still matters, but the Rays cannot keep giving up consistent offense there.
His idea was to use Walls in a one-year platoon as a bridge until players like Grady Emerson are ready to compete for a job.
The conversation also turned to which young player has the best chance to make another leap in 2027 after strong seasons from Junior Caminero and Chandler Simpson. Brauner went with Caminero, calling him “a bona fide superstar” who could become the best hitter in the American League. Rauh picked Simpson instead, saying Caminero is already one of baseball’s best young players, but Simpson still has another offensive level to reach, even if it does not come through power.
When asked what one realistic move Erik Neander needs to make to keep the Rays in championship contention next season, Brauner circled back to the rotation. For him, the answer is replacing the production that could be lost on the mound. It does not have to come from one exact move, but the Rays have to make up that value somehow if they want another shot at a title.
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