The 2024 season for the Tampa Bay Rays was a season of both promise and setback. After finishing 2023 with a robust performance, expectations were high for the Rays to continue their ascent in the competitive American League East. However, despite their strong start and some significant player performances, the Rays found themselves falling short of a playoff berth, with the team and its fans left wondering where it all went wrong. Still, there were key takeaways from the season, including the impact of significant trades and player performances, and a look ahead to what the future might hold.

The 2023/2024 offseason was one of calculated moves and measured adjustments. Coming off a strong 2023 season, the Rays knew they had to build on their strengths while adding depth to the roster. The Rays’ general manager, Peter Bendix, and team president, Erik Neander, worked in tandem to fortify their roster with strategic acquisitions. The Rays’ pitching staff, known for its innovative and highly effective use of relievers and starters, was strengthened, with a focus on deepening the bullpen and adding versatility.

One of the most important midseason moves was the trade of Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners. The Rays dealt Arozarena, a move that shocked many but was part of their broader plan to reshape the team. Arozarena, who had been a cornerstone of the offense, was sent to Seattle for several top-tier prospects, including pitcher George Kirby and outfielder Jarred Kelenic. The trade was part of the Rays’ effort to add young talent that could potentially help them in both the immediate and long-term future. The departure of Arozarena left a void in the outfield, and the team had to lean on their remaining pieces, as well as players acquired through the deal, to continue the season’s push.

The Tampa Bay Rays' 2024 pitching staff showcased a blend of resilience, youthful promise, and steady contributions, although it came with its share of challenges. With a mix of veterans and developing talent, the rotation and bullpen worked tirelessly to keep the Rays competitive in the tough AL East.

The starting rotation was led by Zack Littell, who stepped up to log 156.1 innings across 29 starts, finishing with a 3.63 ERA and 2.8 WAR. Littell's ability to eat innings and maintain consistency proved to be invaluable for a rotation that faced some turbulence. Young right-hander Taj Bradley followed closely, showing flashes of dominance with 154 strikeouts in 138 innings, though his 4.11 ERA indicated some growing pains in his sophomore campaign.

Ryan Pepiot delivered a solid performance with a 3.60 ERA over 26 starts, showcasing his ability to limit hits (7.1 H/9) and keep hitters off balance. His presence helped stabilize the middle of the rotation. Meanwhile, Zach Eflin and Aaron Civale struggled with inconsistency, combining for 12 wins between them and ERAs north of 4.00. Civale, in particular, faced challenges giving up home runs (1.7 HR/9), which hampered his overall effectiveness. A bright spot came in the form of Shane Baz, who returned to the rotation after an injury layoff. In 14 starts, Baz demonstrated ace-level potential with a 3.06 ERA, 1.059 WHIP, and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.56.

The Rays' bullpen was once again a strength, led by closer Pete Fairbanks, who notched 23 saves with a 3.57 ERA. Fairbanks continued to deliver in high-leverage situations, though his walk rate (3.4 BB/9) showed room for improvement. Kevin Kelly emerged as a breakout performer, recording a 2.67 ERA in 68 appearances and showcasing excellent control with a 0.962 WHIP.

Veteran Jason Adam was exceptional, holding batters to a .894 WHIP and finishing with a 2.49 ERA, making him one of the most reliable arms in the bullpen. Garrett Cleavinger added versatility from the left side, balancing a 3.75 ERA with a team-leading 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Finally, Colin Poche offered solid contributions despite some volatility, further rounding out a bullpen that carried significant weight throughout the season.

The Rays' pitching staff demonstrated depth and flexibility, a hallmark of the organization. Injuries and inconsistency among certain starters forced the Rays to lean heavily on their bullpen, which responded well for most of the season. Shane Baz's resurgence and Taj Bradley's progression were critical for the team's outlook, as both pitchers displayed the potential to anchor the rotation in future seasons.

Looking ahead, the Rays' priority will likely be solidifying their starting rotation. While Littell, Pepiot, and Baz provide a strong foundation, adding another dependable starter through free agency or trade could address the inconsistency that plagued parts of the rotation. The bullpen remains a strength, but finding additional depth pieces to complement Fairbanks and Adam will ensure the team remains competitive as they strive for postseason contention in 2025.

The Rays' offense also had its shining moments. With the departure of Arozarena, the Rays also turned to their younger players to step up. One of the breakout stars was 25-year-old shortstop Wander Franco. Franco, who had shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, truly emerged as one of the league’s best in 2024. He posted career-highs in home runs and RBIs and anchored the Rays' infield for much of the year. Franco's performance was a silver lining in a season that saw the team struggle to fill the gaps left by the Arozarena trade.

Brandon Lowe, the team's power-hitting second baseman, rebounded from an injury-plagued 2023 season to provide a significant boost in 2024. Lowe's ability to hit for power, combined with his ability to draw walks, helped the Rays generate offense during stretches when the team struggled to find consistency.

Despite a strong start and individual performances, the Tampa Bay Rays' season ultimately fell short of their postseason aspirations. One of the biggest reasons was their inability to find consistency on offense. While players like Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, and other contributors made efforts at various points in the season, the offense struggled to maintain the consistency needed to compete in the highly competitive AL East.

The trade of Randy Arozarena, although made with long-term success in mind, impacted the team’s short-term chances. Arozarena had been a key figure in the Rays' playoff success in previous seasons, and his absence left a noticeable void. Despite adding new pieces to the roster, including a couple of other offensive players, the Rays' offense sputtered at times, especially in key moments late in the season. Their struggles with runners in scoring position were particularly costly in the tight AL East race.

Another factor in the Rays’ inability to make the playoffs was their pitching inconsistency at times, despite having a strong rotation. With the offensive challenges combined with pitching issues, the Rays fell short of competing for a playoff spot.