3) Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a team that I think will surprise people in 2020.
- Brandon Lowe
- Ji-Man Choi
- Austin Meadows
- Jose Martinez
- Yandy Diaz
- Hunter Renfroe
- Kevin Kiermaier
- Willy Adames
- Mike Zunino
Yes, they were already a playoff team last year. This season, I think they are coming back with even more heat. The additions of Jose Martinez and Hunter Renfroe only bolster a lineup that was pretty solid in 2019. Brandon Lowe was an All-Star before an injury forced him to miss much of the second half of the season.
Another All-Star, Austin Meadows is proving every game that the Pirates messed up by trading him. He had a breakout season last year both in average (.291) and home runs (33). With one of the best pitching staffs in the league, the Rays will have no problem putting up enough runs to win 90+ games again.
Why are the Rays at #3? The Rays had success with the bats last year and they have only improved. Losing Tommy Pham hurts the team, but not as bad as you might think. The additions of Renfroe and Martinez gives the team two skilled options to choose from. With a fast, contact hitting team they will be able to play small ball and take advantage of opponents’ mistakes.