From pitching prospects to veteran arms and young studs, the Rays truly have one of the best pitching depth in baseball.
2025 Tampa Bay Rays Preview: Pitching
With pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training, the Rays pitching staff stands out as the team’s strength. The Rays have been known to develop pitchers, and this season is no different. With the return of star pitchers, promising prospects, and a strong bullpen, the Rays look to their offense this season in hopes of improvement. Especially now that home games will be played in the scorching Florida heat.
Starting Rotation
The Rays’ starting rotation heading into the 2025 season looks to be very balanced with a mix of experience and youthful talent. Zack Littell, who transitioned into a full-time starting role in 2024, posted a 3.63 ERA across 29 starts. His ability to get deep into games made him a huge piece in the Rays pitching rotation that suffered many injuries.
Ryan Pepiot was a solid 5th starter for the Rays last season; he ate up innings well, going 8-8 with a 3.60 ERA in 130 innings pitched. The Rays got Pepiot in the trade that sent Tyler Glasnow to the Las Angeles Dodgers; Pepiot looks to prove himself even with the pressure of living up to Glasnow’s elite pitching.
After a promising return in 2024, Shane Baz looks to show off his full potential this coming season. In his return to the Rays, he had a 3.06 ERA in 14 starts and hopes to build off his success in becoming a top pitcher in their rotation this season.
The Rays are also high on Taj Bradley. He posted a 0.82 ERA over nine starts between June and. July. Bradley has seen a lot of development and is one of the Rays best starters in the already dominant rotation if they stay healthy.
#RaysUp pitchers & catchers report today
Here’s my model’s 2025 K% projections for Rays starting rotation
Shane McClanahan – 27.9% (+2.3%
)
Ryan Pepiot – 28.2% (+1.9%
Taj Bradley – 27.2% (0.7%
Shane Baz – 23.2% (+1.6%
Zack Littell – 19.2% (-2%)#Stacked pic.twitter.com/smgyjH3csm
— Rays Ranter (@RaysRanter) February 12, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Bullpen
The Rays’ bullpen is still the major strength of the team. Pete Fairbanks leads the bullpen as their elite flame-throwing closer; his fastball and slider combo help him consistently shut down opponents in key situations.
Garrett Cleavinger, a left-handed reliever, has proven versatile and capable of handling lefty-on-lefty and righty-on-righty matchups. His ability to get key outs in critical situations gives the Rays an invaluable piece in the bullpen.
Another righty option, Manuel Rodriguez adds further depth to the Rays’ deep bullpen. Rodriguez’s power pitches and ability to get grounders are essential in late-inning games.
Edwin Uceta has the potential to be a valuable contributor. Especially in the middle innings. He has shown a lot of growth with the Rays already, posting a 1.51 ERA in just 41.2 innings pitched, which is a career high.
Pitchers Returning From Injury
While the Rays are known for their elite pitching development, they are also known to have the injuries. Some of their best throwers, like Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan, are returning to their pitching staff. With so much depth, the Rays, even with possible injuries, will have one of the best starting rotations in baseball.
#Rays Shane McClanahan throwing warm up tosses ahead of his first spring bullpen session. Told me this morning he’s “100%” ready to go with zero restrictions. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/cFPUjCVJpW
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) February 12, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Prospect Watch
The Rays continue to have one of the deepest systems in all of baseball. Thanks to several pitching prospects on the rise.
Brody Hopkins: Hopkins is currently ranked as the Rays’ No. 2 prospect and is expected to break out in 2025. The 23-year-old righty has shown incredible promise and is expected to make his mark, especially for a deep postseason run.
Jackson Baumeister, currently ranked No. 3 in the system, is another top pitching prospect to watch this season. The 21-year-old has been steadily moving through the Rays’ system. He could be in the mix of the Rays’ rotation if he keeps developing as he has been.
Santiago Suarez, only 20 years old, Suarez has shown a lot of potential at his young age in Single-A. He is considered to be one of the most promising young arms in the system. His development will be very important for the Rays future, and he could move quickly through the system if he continues to progress.
Dylan Lesko had a high ERA with the Rays, he has shown flashes of dominance in High-A. Lesko’s development in 2025 will be crucial. He is another young arm who could have a bright future with the Rays.
Final Thoughts
With a strong mix of experienced starters, deep bullpen, returning arms from injury, and an exciting number of prospects, the Rays are well-equipped to handle the demands and competitive level of the AL East. The health of starters like Shane McClanahan, Shane Baz, and Ryan Pepiot will be the most important part of the team; if they stay healthy throughout the season, then the Rays could have the best pitching staff in the league.
After last season, the Rays look to get back into the playoffs. With a pitching foundation like the Rays have, they will mostly look to their offense this season.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The post 2025 Tampa Bay Rays Preview: Pitching appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.