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A Tampa Bay Rays Blog: Ball on a Budget
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2026-2027 MLB Offseason Calendar
The post outlines the Tampa Bay Rays' 2026‑27 MLB offseason timeline, starting with the ALCS win on Oct. 19 and the season‑ending groundout by Richie Palacios. It details key dates: free agency begins Nov. 2; Gold Glove finalists Chandler Simpson and Taylor Walls; qualifying offers and contract options for players like Drew Rasmussen and Taylor Walls; award announcements (Platinum Glove, Rookie, Manager, Cy Young, MVP) through Nov. 12, with Junior Caminero noted as a top MVP candidate. It also covers the Rule‑5 roster deadline (Nov. 17), arbitration negotiations (Nov. 20), and the CBA expiration on Dec. 2, which could trigger a lockout. The article highlights the Rays’ three 2026‑only free agents—Gavin Lux, Jorge Mateo, and Freddy Peralta—and potential moves in the upcoming weeks.
Contract Projections for top Rays free agents
Jim Bowden’s latest free‑agency column spotlights a surprisingly deep pool of Tampa Bay Rays prospects. The piece projects Freddy Peralta on a five‑year, $140 million deal, likely with the Padres or Chicago clubs, while Nick Martinez earns a two‑year, $48 million contract. Former Ray Randy Arozarena draws a massive five‑year, $124 million estimate, and outfielders Jake Bauers and infielder Brandon Lowe are slated for $56 million over four years and $45 million over three years, respectively. The article breaks down salary comparables and potential destinations, offering the sharpest contract forecasts for Rays free agents.
Wander Franco given 3-year sentence as court affirms sex abuse conviction
Dominican baseball star Wander Franco loses his judicial pardon and receives a suspended three‑year prison sentence after a Dominican appeals court upheld his June 2025 conviction for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. While Franco avoids custody if he complies with residence and supervision conditions, the ruling likely blocks a U.S. visa and ends his Tampa Bay Rays career, pending a possible appeal to the Dominican Supreme Court. The court also upheld a 10‑year sentence for the girl's mother and ordered forfeiture of $34,000 she held.
Rays players reflect on the World Series
After a third franchise World Series loss, Rays players share candid reactions from Game 5 against the Brewers on Oct 28, 2026. Pitcher Drew Rasmussen calls Milwaukee “the best team I’ve ever played,” while Junior Caminero admits hugging teammates was the hardest part. Nick Martinez praises the group’s story‑telling potential, Chandler Simpson laments the close‑but‑no‑cigar finish, and Bryan Baker expresses pride in the squad. Outfielder Jonny DeLuca reflects on exceeding doubters, and Victor Mesa Jr. is seen sobbing in the dugout. Manager Kevin Cash also comments on the defeat, underscoring the emotional toll of the loss.
Milwaukee Brewers win their first World Series: Brewers 4, Rays 1
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first World Series title, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game Five at Tropicana Field on October 28, 2026. Jacob Misiorowski starts for the Brewers, followed by a strong bullpen that includes Kevin Kelly, Tyler Wells and JoJo Romero, while the Rays rely on Drew Rasmussen on short rest. Key hits come from Brice Turang, Cooper Pratt, Garrett Mitchell and William Contreras, who drives in two runs with a double. Christian Yelich is hit by a pitch, and a misplayed error by Sal Frelick adds to the drama, but the Brewers hold on for the historic win.
World Series Game 5: Rays vs. Brewers Discussion
DRaysBay’s October 28, 2026 post sparks a fan discussion ahead of World Series Game 5 between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers. The article invites readers to join the conversation, sign up for a community account, and follow the latest updates on the series as it heads to Tropicana Field.
World Series Game Five Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Milwaukee Brewers
Game 5 of the 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers after a grueling 12‑inning win for the Rays in Game 4. Manager Kevin Cash faces a thin pitching roster – Nick Martinez may be limited after two scoreless relief innings, leaving Aaron Cleavinger and Steven Matz as the most rested options, with Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta possible emergency starters. Milwaukee will turn to Cy Young hopeful Jacob Misiorowski, whose postseason velocity and strikeout rates have dipped. The Rays’ offense struggles at .195/.236/.256 and 3.5 runs per game, while an injury to junior infielder Junior Caminero adds lineup uncertainty.
Not Dead Yet: Rays 4, Brewers 3 in 12 Innings
In Game Four of the 2026 World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays stave off a sweep by edging the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings. Ben Williamson delivers a walk‑off single in the bottom of the 12th, sealing the comeback after a marathon 4‑hour, 15‑minute duel. Starting pitcher Griffin Jax battles through four innings with nine hard‑hit balls, while the bullpen—Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells and Cam Booser—holds the Brewers' offense at bay. Key moments include a 104‑mph single by Sal Frelich, a 98.9‑mph double by Cooper Pratt, and a crucial error‑turned‑run by David Hamilton. The win keeps the series alive heading into Game Five.
World Series Game 4: Rays vs. Brewers Discussion
The post previews a discussion of World Series Game 4 between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers, published on October 27, 2026, and features a September 20 photo of Rays pitcher Griffin Jax. It invites fans to join the conversation, sign up for a user account for fewer ads, community posting, and comments, and encourages downloading the SB Nation app.
World Series Game Four Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Milwaukee Brewers
Game Four of the 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. After sweeping the Yankees and beating the Guardians, the Rays’ stellar regular‑season pitching and defense have struggled against Milwaukee’s dominant hitters, who have limited the Series to just two homers (Frelick, Hicks). Griffin Jax, the probable Rays starter, returns after a rough ALCS loss, posting a 3.53 ERA this year but a 6.00 ERA in the postseason. Milwaukee’s bullpen—Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby—will be fully available, with a starter yet to be named (candidates include Ktlye Harrison, Shane Drohan, Dustin May). The first pitch is set for 8:08 PM on Oct. 27.
Evan Longoria to throw out World Series Game Four first pitch
Evan Longoria will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. The former Rays third baseman, a 2008 Rookie of the Year, three‑time Gold Glove winner and 2009 Silver Slugger, retired in 2025 after the Rays retired his #3 and inducted him into their Hall of Fame. Longoria’s résumé includes 261 homers, a .270 average and a memorable 2011 walk‑off homer that clinched a postseason berth, making his appearance a nostalgic highlight for Ray fans.
A Dome Disaster: Rays 1, Brewers 10
In Game Three of the 2026 World Series, the Milwaukee Brewers steamrolled the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 at Tropicana Field. Starter Freddy Peralta lasted just 4.2 innings, yielding seven hits and five earned runs, while Milwaukee’s Robert Gasser tossed six shutout innings with only one hit allowed. The Rays’ defense faltered, and despite a lone highlight—a spectacular catch by Chandler Simpson—the offense sputtered after Yandy Diaz’s early line‑drive single. The loss puts the Brewers one win away from their first championship, leaving the Rays facing a daunting comeback.
World Series Game 3: Rays vs. Brewers Discussion
The post announces World Series Game 3 between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, referencing a photo of Freddy Peralta from Game Two on October 24, 2026, at American Family Field. It encourages fans to join the conversation, sign up for an account, and download the SB Nation app.
World Series Game Three Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Milwaukee Brewers
The World Series opens with the Rays trailing 0-2 against the Brewers, who boast the league's best record. Tampa Bay’s only hope lies in ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta, whose fastball has surged from 94 mph to a peak of 99.4 mph in the playoffs, possibly reaching triple‑digits against his former club. Milwaukee will counter with left‑hander Robert Gasser, who has posted a 3.87 ERA this season and allowed just one run in two postseason outings. The Brewers’ hitters excel with two‑strike pitches, posting a .182/.308/.333 line so far. Game Three kicks off tonight at 8 p.m.
Joe Maddon to throw out World Series Game Three first pitch
Joe Maddon returns to Tropicana Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, where the Tampa Bay Rays trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2‑0. The former Rays manager, who led the franchise’s 2008 AL‑East turnaround and later broke the Cubs’ 108‑year curse in 2016, will be on hand for the pivotal night. The Rays, seeking to claw back into the series, face a crucial showdown after a historic run under Maddon’s nine‑year tenure.
Rays World Series News Round-up
The blog rounds up the hottest Rays World Series coverage as Tampa Bay trails the Brewers in Game 2 at American Family Field on Oct. 24, 2026. Highlights include the New York Post’s look at how the Rays’ pitching development revived Freddy Peralta, MLB.com’s feature on Junior Caminero’s first playoff homer and his motivating dugout outburst, ESPN’s analysis of the differing philosophies of the two clubs, and profiles of Chandler Simpson’s speed‑centric game and the long‑standing friendship between GM Erik Neander and Brewers’ Matt Arnold. The roundup also notes team dinner moments, insights from John Romano and former exec Stu Sternberg, and quirky pieces on DJ Kitty and WAGs’ custom World Series outfits.
Can we go home now?:Rays 4, Brewers, 5
Simply put, the Rays deserved to win this one for half of an inning. During that half inning, they jumped out to a four-run lead, capitalized on a mistake, and provided Drew Rasmussen with as much run support as they had in his prior three playoff starts combined. Then, over the course of the next […]
World Series Game 2: Rays vs. Brewers Discussion
Go Rays!
World Series Game Two Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Milwaukee Brewers
Game one is in the books and what a game it was. One of those games where a matter of inches was the difference between victory and defeat and you just have to tip your cap and move on to the next one. So tonight the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers will move on […]
Game 1 Slipped Away, One Chance at a Time : Rays 2, Brewers 3
The Tampa Bay Rays had a World Series Game 1 win on the line multiple times. They just could not reel it in. Tampa Bay dropped Game 1 of the World Series 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. A ninth-inning rally, kept alive by a replay review, ended with the tying run on […]
World Series Game 1: Rays vs. Brewers Discussion
Go Rays!
Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers superlatives
Hey you! Sitting there at your watch party, observing Nick Martinez induce yet another weak fly ball to Chandler Simpson while the Rays have jumped to a 2-0 lead in Game One of the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Wouldn’t you like some random knowledge about the Rays and Brewers to throw out the […]
World Series Game One Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Milwaukee Brewers
The time has finally arrived. The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of the 2026 World Series tonight at American Family Field with the first pitch slated for just after 8:00. A benefit of the series happening between Tampa Bay and Milwaukee is that weather will not play […]
Tampa Bay Rays finalize World Series roster
The Tampa Bay Rays are ready to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series as they have announced their roster of 26 players for the Fall Classic. The roster is identical to what they rolled out when they swept the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, as they have swapped top […]
Rays Your Voice: Rays win the pennant, World Series Preview
On the newest Rays Your Voice, I break down the Rays’ pennant-clinching game 6 win over the Guardians, and what the atmosphere was like inside Tropicana Field. About halfway through the episode, I am joined by Danny Russell to preview the World Series matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. Stay tuned for instant reaction podcasts after […]
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