The Opener: A Rays Podcast

The Tampa Bay Rays are just one win away from clinching the AL East. In a year where the team was an afterthought, the team can get the 1 seed with a win against the Yankees this week. In this episode we break cover some news of the rays having new road uniforms as well as check in on injuries and late roster adds. Brody Hopkins is front an center as we talk about his electric arm. Then we turn our attention to other notable names and the upcoming series.

The Tampa Bay Rays are on the cusp of making the playoffs but there is still work to be done to win the AL East.

The Rays stadium project is moving in the right direction as the county and city are getting on board. They are set to vote a week from today in a pivotal moment for Rays baseball. We cover that as well as all thing happening on the field where the Rays are in a rut. We also take a look at the farm system which continues to be full of talent.

The Rays come out of the trade deadline hot. Headed out on a West road trip the Rays sweep the Rockies and the Mariners to start the second half 6-0. We break down guys leading to success and also check in on the minor league system.

The 2026 MLB deadline has come and gone and the Rays made some good moves. However, they did not push the chips in as far as they could have. In this episode we break down the moves that the rays did--and didn't--make.

The Tampa Bay Rays bounce back from an awful series in Boston to sweep the Guardians at home. Going into the year they Rays were projected as a .500 team and have gone on to be the first team in the AL to reach 60 wins. Will & Zack check in on the roster including names like Chandler Simpson and Griffin Jax. From there we look ahead to the trade deadline and each present 3 mock trades. It's going to be a fun week up through August 3rd.

Today we bring on a special guest and certified ballknower, Ben Whitelaw, to discuss a myriad of topics. We cover the Rays most recent draft and give our thoughts, current prospects and R5 eligible guys, and also a preview of the trade deadline.

Ben is a contributor for DRaysBay - check out his work there and also give him a follow on X at benwhitelaw73.

The 2026 MLB Draft is this Saturday and the Rays have the 2nd overall pick. With such a great opportunity to add talent to the team, we decided to breakdown all the top options on the board. Who do we like best between Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, and Vahn Lackey? Or do we think the Rays will go further down the board and surprise us?Tampa Bay Rays podcast 2026 MLB draft.

The Rays get back into their power game and run off 5 wins (check that- 6 wins) in a row. In this episode we break down the turn around and also continue discussions on trade candidates and the farm system.

We're approaching the halfway mark of the 2026 season and it's time for a deep dive on the roster. Do we feel like the Tampa Bay Rays are a good team?