The Tampa Bay Rays successfully navigated salary arbitration for all seven of their eligible players, including pitcher Zack Littell, ahead of the deadline. Littell is set to earn $5.72 million in 2025, a significant increase from his $1.85 million salary in 2024, surpassing the initial projections of $4.8 million.

Since joining the team off waivers in 2023, Littell has transitioned from a career reliever to a reliable starter, achieving impressive statistics. In 2023, he recorded a 3.93 ERA and 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings over 14 starts. He improved in 2024, finishing with an 8-10 record and a 3.63 ERA in 29 starts, leading all Rays players with a 2.8 WAR.

The conclusion of the MLB regular season has prompted an expanded ranking of the top 50 rookies for 2024, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's class.

Highlighting the fierce competition, the NL Rookie of the Year race features Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, while the AL race remains wide open.

Players are evaluated based on their performance, role, and development throughout the season, with late-season success carrying significant weight.

The 2024 Tampa Bay Rays faced a challenging season, finishing fourth in the AL East and ending their five-year postseason streak. Despite a struggling start, notable pitchers like Shane Baz and Jeffrey Springs revived the rotation post All-Star break. However, the team struggled offensively, with key players like Josh Lowe and Yandy Díaz underperforming.

The offseason will require careful navigation as the Rays need to address various weaknesses, particularly in their lineup. Prospects like Junior Caminero offer hope, while established pitchers are returning from injuries. Strengthening their offensive capabilities will be crucial for a return to success in 2025.

Jonathan Aranda continued his hot streak by hitting a home run for the third consecutive game, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and completing a three-game series sweep.

The win improved the Rays' record to 78-78, marking their first four-game winning streak since mid-May. Brandon Lowe also shined with a solo home run, making it his 20th of the season. The match showcased strong performances from both teams, including notable moments from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had a three-hit game for the Blue Jays.

Jonathan Aranda's consistent hitting led the Tampa Bay Rays to a narrow 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the team's third consecutive victory.

Aranda's two-run homer in the sixth inning catapulted the Rays into the lead, while Brandon Lowe added to their score with a solo shot in the eighth. Vlad Guerrero Jr. kept the game competitive with his performance in the ninth, though the Rays held on for the win.

This victory pushed the Rays back to a .500 winning record, showcasing their improvement as the season closes.