The Tampa Bay Rays have plenty to be excited about as they look toward the 2026 season, especially with standout performances from their sluggers in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero have been turning heads, but it's time to shine a spotlight on the pitchers, who have been just as impressive. The Rays' WBC participants on the 40-man roster have yet to surrender a run, showcasing their depth and talent.
Yoendrys Gomez
Yoendrys Gomez, acquired from the White Sox in a trade last November, is making waves. The deal also brought reliever Steven Wilson, who is expected to join the roster once he recovers from a back injury.
Gomez, added as a rotation depth option, might not crack the starting lineup right out of camp, but he's certainly making his case. In four spring training games, Gomez has posted a 1.80 ERA with four strikeouts.
His most notable performance came on the international stage with Team Venezuela, where he delivered two scoreless innings and struck out three against Team Nicaragua. This outing is particularly impressive considering the struggles of 2025 Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sanchez against the same team.
Griffin Jax
Griffin Jax joined the Rays in a deal involving former top prospect Taj Bradley, who faced challenges in 2025. Jax has been a stellar addition to the Rays bullpen, showing his prowess with a 3.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 20 innings.
With a family background in the Air Force, Jax was honored to represent Team USA in the WBC. In 1.2 innings so far, he has maintained a clean sheet, striking out two against Great Britain and Mexico.
Fans are eager to see how he performs in the playoff rounds.
Garrett Cleavinger
Garrett Cleavinger is another key figure for Team USA, bringing a powerful left-handed arm to the bullpen. Like Jax, Cleavinger has been dominant, delivering when it counts.
In his sole inning of work, he supported Paul Skenes' outstanding performance with a scoreless frame, crucial in Team USA's 5-3 win over Mexico. As Team USA aims for a third consecutive WBC championship, Cleavinger is poised for more opportunities in the playoff round.
These pitchers are not just holding their own; they’re proving to be essential cogs in their teams’ successes. With such depth and talent, the Rays' future looks bright as they gear up for another competitive season.