A casual fan's guide to the 2026 Rays season
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Junior Caminero's breakout season had him in the running for MVP. He could get even better in 2026. Photo: Mark Taylor/Getty Images
As the Rays return to Tropicana Field, fans hope they'll also return to form as the small-market team that punches above its weight.
Why it matters: When you're seeking a huge haul of local tax dollars to build a new stadium, it doesn't hurt to have the fans fired up.
- But the Rays are coming off two straight losing seasons and fourth-place finishes in the AL East.
⚾️ The Rays start their season Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Seats are still available, starting at $60.
- For those who've been following the stadium drama more closely than Spring Training, here's a rundown of what to expect this season:
👨💼 Meet the new bosses
Patrick Zalupski, Ken Babby and Bill Cosgrove are the new faces of Rays ownership, but fans are still getting to know them and their priorities.
- They've raved about the organization's baseball leadership, president of baseball operations Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash, and pledged not to exert "any influence on baseball operations."
☔️ Farewell, rain delays
After a season of braving the elements at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays will be back under the rebuilt-but-familiar dome of the Trop.
- They'll play at their new-old home through the 2028 season at least, with the team hoping to open its new stadium for Opening Day 2029.
👋 Hellos and goodbyes
The team parted with notable members of last season's squad, including Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Jake Mangum and Shane Baz.
- To backfill, they did what the Rays do: budget trades and signings, netting pitcher Steven Matz and outfielders Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley.
🔥 The heavy hitters
The Rays are built around a strong pitching rotation and three key position players: Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz.
- The youngest of that trio, 22-year-old Caminero, is coming off a breakout season in which he finished ninth in the AL MVP voting.
📺 Where to watch
The Rays were among the teams that dumped the ailing FanDuel Sports Network, opting for MLB's streaming product, Rays.TV.
- A full-season package runs $99.99. The games will also be on local cable providers like Spectrum, per the Tampa Bay Times.
🛍️ Get that swag
- ICYMI: Here's our guide to this year's giveaway games. (We at Axios Tampa Bay have our eye on the Flappy Boi bobble.)