Tampa Bay Rays Picks

Below is a look at our most recent picks for the Tampa Bay Rays:

History of the Tampa Bay Rays Franchise

The Tampa Bay Rays, originally known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, were established as an expansion team in 1998. Their early years were challenging, as the team consistently finished at the bottom of the standings. A significant turning point came in 2008 when the franchise rebranded, dropping “Devil” from their name and making their first postseason appearance. That year, under manager Joe Maddon, the Rays reached the World Series, a remarkable turnaround for the young franchise, though they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.

The Rays have since become known for their innovative front office strategies, particularly their effective use of analytics and player development. This has allowed them to consistently compete with much larger market teams. Some of their most iconic players include third baseman Evan Longoria, who was crucial during the team’s 2008 success, and David Price, a dominant pitcher who won the 2012 Cy Young Award.

Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, the Rays remained competitive, making several playoff appearances, including a return to the World Series in 2020, where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. During this period, key players like Randy Arozarena, Blake Snell, and Kevin Kiermaier became pivotal in maintaining the team’s status as contenders. The Rays are also known for pioneering the “opener” strategy, revolutionizing the way modern teams approach pitching rotations.

Their ability to succeed despite a smaller budget compared to other teams in Major League Baseball is a testament to their innovative approach, and it remains a central theme of the franchise’s story.

Tampa Bay Rays Franchise Timeline

• 1998: Tampa Bay Devil Rays are established as an expansion team and play their first MLB season.
• 2008: The team rebrands as the Tampa Bay Rays, dropping “Devil” from their name. They win the AL East and make their first World Series appearance, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.
• 2010: The Rays win their second AL East title, continuing their competitive momentum under manager Joe Maddon.
• 2011: In one of the most dramatic finishes in MLB history, the Rays clinch a playoff spot on the final day of the season with a walk-off home run by Evan Longoria.
• 2012: David Price wins the AL Cy Young Award, solidifying himself as one of the best pitchers in the league.
• 2018: The Rays introduce the “opener” pitching strategy, which influences the way modern teams approach bullpen management and pitching rotations.
• 2020: Tampa Bay wins the AL Pennant and reaches the World Series for the second time in franchise history but falls to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.
• 2021: The Rays secure the best regular-season record in the American League, winning the AL East, but are eliminated in the ALDS.
• 2024: The Rays finish the season with an 80-82 record, marking their first losing season since 2017.

Tampa Bay Rays Stats

Below is a look at all of the stats for the Tampa Bay Rays this season:

Pitching Stats

Batting Stats

Fielding Stats

Tampa Bay Rays Roster for 2024-25

Here is a look at the Rays’ current roster:

Tampa Bay Rays Injury Report

Here are the latest injury updates for the Tampa Bay Rays:

2025 Betting Outlook & Trends for the Tampa Bay Rays

As the Tampa Bay Rays head into the 2025 season, there are key betting trends that can provide value based on their strengths, weaknesses, and the performance of the 2024 season. While the team finished 80-82, they remain a club capable of surprising results, especially given their ability to develop talent and their use of innovative strategies. 

Let’s explore some bet types that may hit often in 2025:

Run Totals (Over/Under)

The Rays are known for solid pitching and defensive strategies, but in 2024, they experienced inconsistency in their starting rotation and bullpen. With a lack of consistent offensive output, betting the Under in many of their games became a popular strategy. If their offensive struggles continue into 2025, especially with players like Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes traded, we may see games where the total score remains low. Conversely, on days when their pitching depth is thin, the Over could hit, especially against teams with stronger offenses.

Run Line (+1.5)

The Rays have a tendency to stay competitive in games, even when they lose, making the Run Line a profitable bet. With their penchant for tight games and strong late-inning bullpen performances, taking the Rays at +1.5 run lines could be a solid option. This bet type covers scenarios where the Rays lose by one run, which occurred frequently during their challenging stretches in 2024.

First Five Innings (F5 Bets)

Given their history of using an “opener” strategy and unconventional pitching techniques, betting on First Five Innings (F5) markets could be a smart play in 2025. The Rays often deploy their best pitchers early in the game, which can keep opposing teams’ scoring low in the first five innings. If their offense continues to underperform, betting on F5 Unders might offer good value.

Moneyline Underdogs

The Rays often outperform expectations in games where they are underdogs, thanks to their adaptability and analytical approach. In 2024, their wins frequently came when bookmakers favored the opposition. Look for value in Moneyline Underdog bets, especially when they face stronger teams. Historically, the Rays have done well in matchups where other teams underestimate them, particularly at home.

Player Prop Bets

While the Rays may have lost some key players after the 2024 season, emerging stars like Yandy Díaz and young pitching prospects are expected to step up. Betting on Player Props, such as total bases for hitters or strikeouts for their starting pitchers, could be another profitable angle. Keep an eye on breakout performances from lesser-known players that the Rays tend to develop.

Most Successful Betting Trends in 2024

Throughout the 2024 campaign, these bets proved to be the most profitable for bettors:

• Under on Total Runs: Due to inconsistent offensive production and solid, if occasionally inconsistent, pitching, many of the Rays’ games hit the Under on total runs. This was particularly evident in low-scoring games against teams with strong pitching staffs​.
• Close Losses and Run Line (+1.5): The Rays often kept games close even when they lost, making the Run Line (+1.5) a profitable bet in many cases. Their bullpen helped keep games tight, even in defeats.
• Moneyline Underdogs: Tampa Bay had success as underdogs in several games throughout the season, especially against stronger teams. Bettors who backed the Rays on the Moneyline as underdogs found value when the team pulled off upset wins.
• First Five Innings (F5 Unders): With the Rays frequently using an opener strategy and focusing on early pitching strength, many of their games saw F5 Unders hit. Their games often started slow offensively​.
• Player Strikeout Props: The Rays’ pitchers, particularly their emerging young arms, performed well in terms of strikeouts, making Player Strikeout Props a consistent betting opportunity​.

Key Players for Betting on the Tampa Bay Rays

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, there are several key players on the Tampa Bay Rays who will have a significant impact on betting outcomes. These players influence various bet types, such as player props, run totals, and moneyline odds. 

Understanding their strengths and roles within the team can provide an edge when making your picks.

Yandy Díaz (1B)

Yandy Díaz has been one of the Rays’ most consistent offensive threats, leading the team in hits and batting average during the 2024 season. His ability to get on base and deliver in clutch situations makes him a prime candidate for Player Props, such as total hits or runs. Díaz is also crucial in determining game totals, as his performance often sets the tone for the Rays’ offense​.

Shane McClanahan (LHP)

Although dealing with injuries during 2024, Shane McClanahan remains the ace of the Rays’ pitching staff when healthy. He’s known for his strikeout abilities, making him an excellent option for Strikeout Props. His dominance on the mound also impacts betting on First Five Innings (F5 Unders), as he frequently limits opposing offenses in the early stages of games.

Randy Arozarena (OF)

Arozarena’s departure from the Rays in 2024 was a major shift, but if the team can develop new talent to fill his role, his absence could still influence betting trends. For much of 2024, Arozarena was a go-to for Player Prop Bets due to his power hitting and ability to come through in high-leverage situations.

The Rays will need to find new leadership in their lineup in his absence, but his influence on past betting outcomes remains relevant.

Isaac Paredes (IF)

Before being traded, Isaac Paredes was a key contributor to the Rays’ offense, particularly known for his ability to hit home runs. He was a great target for Home Run Props and other offensive-related bets. The Rays’ lineup may change heading into 2025, but Paredes’ contributions in 2024 showed how the team often relied on key batters to break through offensively.

Tyler Glasnow (RHP)

When healthy, Tyler Glasnow is another elite pitcher in the Rays’ rotation. Known for his high strikeout rates, he consistently hit on Strikeout Props and was a major factor in Unders on total runs due to his ability to dominate opponents. His return to form in 2025 will be critical for the Rays’ overall betting trends, especially in terms of pitching-focused bets​.

Tampa Bay Rays Schedule 

Below is a look at the upcoming schedule for the Tampa Bay Rays:

Tampa Bay Rays Odds

Check out the latest odds on the upcoming games for the Rays:

A Look Inside MLB Handicapping

MLB handicapping services are designed to help bettors make informed decisions by providing expert analysis, data-driven insights, and betting picks for upcoming games. These services use a variety of strategies to predict game outcomes, player performance, and other betting markets. 

A skilled handicapper studies teams, players, and statistical trends to offer advice on the most favorable bets, such as moneylines, run totals, or props. Some key components of handicapping include:

• Statistical Analysis: Handicappers analyze a wide range of statistics, including team performance, player stats, and trends over time. Advanced metrics such as wOBA (weighted on-base average), FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), and player splits (home/away, left/right matchups) are common tools used to predict outcomes.
• Injury Reports and Player Updates: Handicappers keep a close watch on injury reports and roster changes. Knowing whether key players are injured or returning from injury can have a significant impact on the odds and expected outcomes of a game.
• Pitching Matchups: In baseball, the starting pitcher has a huge influence on game outcomes. Handicappers evaluate both starting and relief pitching matchups, factoring in individual pitcher performance and bullpen strength when making picks.
• Weather and Ballpark Factors: External conditions, such as weather and the dimensions of different ballparks, can affect game results. For example, wind direction and humidity can influence home run rates, while some parks are more favorable for hitters than pitchers.
• Betting Market Movements: Handicappers also monitor betting markets for shifts in odds or line movement, which can indicate where public or sharp money is going. Identifying the best time to place a bet based on these shifts can provide an edge.

By synthesizing this data, handicapping services give bettors recommendations on which bets offer the best value, helping them make more informed decisions and potentially increasing their odds of success.

Tampa Bay Rays: Looking Ahead to 2025

Betting on the Tampa Bay Rays offers unique opportunities, especially as they head into the 2025 season after a transitional 2024. This page has provided an overview of the Rays’ recent history, potential betting trends, key players to watch, and how professional MLB handicapping works. Whether it’s identifying the right time to bet on run totals, backing the Rays as underdogs, or leveraging player props, a data-driven approach can help you make smarter bets.

For bettors looking to gain an edge, our premium handicapping service offers expert MLB picks backed by in-depth analysis and real-time data. Sign up today to get instant access to our picks and start betting with confidence!