Red Sox Predictions: Where will they rank in the AL East in 2020
By Tim Starr
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have sneakily been one of the top teams over the past two seasons. After missing the 2018 postseason (90-72 record), they came back strong once again and snagged a spot in the 2019 AL Wild Card game (96-66 record).
With one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball, they seem to have an organization that can be serious contenders for the next several years. Built on a quietly dominant starting rotation (Charlie Morton, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow), and the best bullpen in baseball (3.66 ERA). A quirky offense containing quietly solid performers (Aledmys Diaz, Willy Adames, and Kevin Kiermaier).
The Rays don’t have the big name stars that the Blue Jays, Red Sox, or Yankees have, but they ride their effective pitching and revolutionary opener strategy to win close games. Tampa has never had the most star players and they have shown their resourcefulness and creativity that leads them to victory.
The main problem the Rays face is their lack of a powerful offense. They were 18th in MLB in runs in the past 2019 season which is not great for a postseason contending team. This past season they were able to ride their dominant bullpen to the postseason.
However, with the Red Sox set to be postseason contenders once again in 2020, along with the Blue Jays and Indians, their offense will have to step it up in this next season. Even with a reduced record, I predict the Rays will still find a way to return to the postseason in 2020.