"The 28-13 Rays have the AL's best record and second-best mark in MLB behind the Braves. The Rays have a history of outperforming expectations, but some of the magic had seemed to wear off with sub-.500 finishes in each of the last two seasons."
"Tampa Bay had a slightly busier free agent period than they typically do. They added Nick Martinez and Steven Matz, the latter on a two-year contract. They brought in Cedric Mullins on a reclamation deal."
"At the same time, they were closer to the "seller" end of their two biggest trades of the winter. They dealt to the Orioles for four prospects and a draft pick. They sent Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum to the Pirates for two more prospects."
"was their most established trade pickup of the offseason, and he has been a complete non-factor due to various injures. So how have the Rays gotten out to one of the best starts in franchise history? Are they resurrecting a small ball offensive approach in the modern game, and what should be the deadline focus for a team that'll enter the summer more clearly looking to add MLB talent than they have over the past couple seasons?"
The American League has an unexpected leader as the 28-13 Rays hold the AL’s best record and the second-best mark in MLB behind the Braves. The franchise has a history of exceeding expectations, but recent seasons included sub-.500 finishes. Tampa Bay’s offseason included additions of Nick Martinez and Steven Matz, with Matz on a two-year deal, plus Cedric Mullins on a reclamation contract. The team also made major trades, sending prospects and a draft pick to the Orioles and trading Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery, and Jake Mangum to the Pirates. One established trade acquisition has not contributed due to injuries. The current start raises questions about whether the Rays are reviving a small-ball style and what MLB talent they should target at the deadline.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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