Rays Roundtable: Is Tampa Bay Ready to Make a World Series Run?

The Tampa Bay Rays enter the final weekend of the 2026 MLB regular season. 

Before the MLB postseason begins, the staff at Ray's Roundtable discussed what they'd like to see in the final few games of 162. 

Michael Brauner: No freak injuries, mainly. Tampa Bay has locked things up in terms of home field, so staying healthy is the big thing. Winning the series and keeping momentum up would be nice, but it's pretty much playoff time.

Christian Rauh: Consistency and rhythm, especially from the Rays starting pitching. I'd like to see players such as Griffin Jax solidify themselves as the fourth starter for the postseason. 

Michael Brauner: I feel pretty great about the pitching, both starters and relievers. To me it's can this offense keep it up and stay hot? A cold week can spell the end of a season, and Tampa has been prone to poor stretches with the bats, especially from the outfield.

Christian Rauh: I think offensive consistency and batting order placement are something that I'm paying attention to. As much as Yandy Diaz has been a table setter for most of the season, he hasn't been the hot hand lately. Is that something Kevin Cash plays with before the postseason begins? It would certainly be interesting to find out. 

Michael Brauner: This really may depend on what the heck is going on with Aaron Judge. If Judge is out, then the Yankees, If Judge plays, Red Sox. Both are dangerous, of course.

Christian Rauh: I'll go with the Red Sox. I think the Rays have a better opportunity against their type of pitching, and I think Tampa Bay's game plays better in Fenway than at Yankee Stadium. 

Michael Brauner: It's a cheap answer, but the only right name is Junior Caminero. He's shown stretches this year where he could carry a team through October, similar to how Vlad Jr. did for Toronto last year. A legendary postseason from Caminero and this team can win the World Series.

Christian Rauh: I'll go, Drew Rasmussen. The last time Tampa Bay was this hot entering the postseason, they had pitching struggles due to injuries to players such as Shane McClanahan, who was seen as their ace at the time. Rasmussen has to pitch to his best ability as soon as he can in the ALDS to get rid of that old bad omen. 

Michael Brauner: Absolutely. They have the pitching to get it done. They are not here by mistake, and if things click, they can at the very least make the Fall Classic.

Christian Rauh: Without question, this team is the most well-rounded since Erik Neander took over the Rays organization. They have what it takes.