Tampa Bay Rays Make Massive Move In MLB Power Rankings
Tampa Bay Rays Make Massive Move In MLB Power Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Winning at home has been an issue for the Tampa Bay Rays, yet they've found a level of success on the road. It makes some sense as the Rays are playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a minor-league park, this season due to Tropicana Field's damage.
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Well, Tampa Bay has been showing signs of life lately. Their improved play has been noticed by The Athletic, which has the Rays sitting at the No. 14 position in the latest MLB Power Rankings.
Who has been a major cog in the Rays' improved play? First baseman Jonathan Aranda should get a bunch of credit.
He's even getting attention for a possible spot in this summer's All-Star Game.
Jonathan Aranda keeps showing up day after day for the Rays in a good way
Aranda currently ranks eighth in MLB in wRC+. Using that as a demarcation point, Aranda is the fourth-best hitter in the American League right now. He's hitting at a .326 clip with seven home runs and 32 RBI. Aranda has a .508 slugging percentage and an OPS of .923.
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After playing a few different positions in his career, Aranda seems to be making first base his home these days. Giving him a steady role in the everyday lineup can keep him focused on his fielding and hitting work on a regular basis.
Starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen has anchored the Tampa Bay pitching staff. He's got a 5-4 record with a 2.14 ERA in 12 starts. Overall, the Rays' starting pitchers have put together a tidy team ERA, good enough to land in the top 10 in MLB.
Now, the focus is on whether the Rays can remain competitive in the American League East all season long, Time will tell. If Aranda and Rasmussen can continue with solid contributions, don't be surprised if the Rays end up landing a wild card spot.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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