The Drive w/TKras

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Ryan Vilade joins TKras for a fun conversation that goes beyond baseball!

Vilade shares a great fishing story involving one of his Rays teammates, giving fans a fun glimpse into the personalities and chemistry inside the Tampa Bay clubhouse. Plus, Vilade talks about what makes the 2026 Rays so special, the bond this team has built, and what it’s like being part of a group with big goals as the season moves forward.

From fishing stories to the Rays’ playoff aspirations, Ryan Vilade gives TKras an inside look at the team — and why this group is so much fun to be around!

Baker Mayfield has his eye on one of the Buccaneers’ newest additions — and TKras is breaking down exactly why this player has caught the quarterback’s attention!

What is Baker seeing from the new Buc? Is there something about his game that could make him a major factor for Tampa Bay in 2026? TKras reacts to Mayfield’s comments, what they could mean for the Bucs’ offense, and whether this newcomer could be the next Tampa Bay player to make a BIG impact.

Could the Tampa Bay Rays finally be getting closer to their long-term home?

TKras breaks down the latest positive developments surrounding the proposed Rays ballpark in Tampa, including the newest signs that a path forward could be emerging. Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan has been outspoken about the need to keep the project moving, including emphasizing the urgency of getting “shovels in the ground” by September if the Rays are going to stay on track for a 2029 Opening Day.

Chris Mathis puts TKras on the spot with six bold Tampa Bay sports takes in the latest Take It or Leave It!

Are the Rays still the team to beat in the AL East despite their recent rough stretch? Is the health of Tampa Bay’s pitching staff — especially with Griffin Jax still on the IL and Shane McClanahan just returning — a bigger concern than the offense? And is McClanahan’s return more important to the Rays’ World Series hopes than anything Erik Neander could have added at the trade deadline?

TKras dives into Baker Mayfield’s latest comments and the growing “Bucs vs. the world” mentality heading into the 2026 NFL season. Mayfield says Tampa Bay is being overlooked, expects plenty of people to pick the Bucs to have a losing record, and believes this team is going to “shock a lot of people.”

Is Baker simply creating another motivational chip for himself and his teammates — or is Tampa Bay legitimately being underestimated heading into 2026?

TKras breaks down Baker’s confidence, the Bucs’ road mentality, the expectations surrounding Tampa Bay, and whether this “us against the world” attitude could fuel a big season in Tampa.

It was a jam-packed edition of The Drive with TKras as TKras and Chris Mathis covered all the biggest stories across Tampa Bay sports and beyond! The Buccaneers opened the 2026 preseason with a 24-16 comeback victory over the New York Jets, and while the starters stayed home, several young Bucs made serious statements and gave fans plenty to be excited about heading into the regular season. But not so fast — the Rays are dealing with a concerning skid after Baltimore dominated the first three games of the series, including a 10-2 blowout, as TKras breaks down Tampa Bay’s offensive and pitching concerns while also highlighting the BIG reasons for optimism as the Rays continue their fight to stay atop the AL East. Freddy Peralta had an uneven outing against the Orioles, but there were encouraging signs to take away from his performance. Plus, the NFL never stops, and TKras has the latest news, notes and storylines from around the league, including future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald working out with the Rams for the second time as he seriously considers a return from retirement, with Sean McVay making it clear there’s no “invisible deadline” for Donald’s decision. Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson also joins TKras for an in-depth conversation about the state of Tampa Bay baseball, the Orioles series and what the Rays need to do moving forward. And, of course, it’s time for the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY as TKras and Chris Mathis break down everything that had Tampa Bay talking over the weekend — from the Bucs’ preseason comeback win to the Rays getting hammered by Baltimore and everything in between!

It’s time for the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY from another wild weekend in Tampa Bay sports!

TKras and Chris Mathis go through everything that had Tampa Bay talking — from the Buccaneers opening the preseason with a 24-16 win over the Jets to the Rays getting hammered by the Orioles in a 10-2 loss and watching Baltimore take three straight games in the series.

TKras is joined by Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson for an in-depth conversation about the state of Tampa Bay baseball.

The Rays are coming off a tough series against Baltimore, including a 10-2 loss Sunday that gave the Orioles three straight wins over Tampa Bay after the Rays had won nine in a row

The Rays are in a fight tonight — and Tampa Bay needs a response!

After Baltimore dominated the first three games of the series, including a 10-2 blowout on Sunday, the Rays return home looking to avoid getting swept by the Orioles

The Bucs opened the preseason with a 24-16 win over the Jets, and while Tampa Bay rested its starters, several young players made sure they got everyone's attention.