This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
Tampa Bay Rays Emerging as Favorites for American League's Top Seed
Following the trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays are clearly in the driver's seat to win the division as long as they keep doing what they've been doing over the last month.
Since their small slump following the All-Star break, the Tampa Bay Rays have been fantastic, leading up to the MLB trade deadline. With Erik Neander and the front office , the Rays' front office has been making multiple moves to bolster the roster to ensure the team has the weapons to make a deep postseason run and potentially find themselves competing for their first World Series title. The team is seen as one of the favorites amongst all of the American League, with still plenty of baseball to go.
On Thursday, CBS Sports predicted the MLB playoff seeding, and by no surprise, based on recent performance, they predict Tampa Bay will be not only the winners of the American League East but the number one seed inside the junior circuit.
"The projection systems have had the Yankees most of the season, at some points significantly, but things have changed in recent weeks, with this now being a three-team race. Most systems have the Rays -- who have a 4½-game lead in the division entering Thursday -- winning the thing," said Matt Snyder of CBS Sports. "They don't have a particularly difficult remaining schedule and are world-beaters at home. Plus, I liked their trade deadline, even if Freddy Peralta had a miserable first start. It was at Coors Field, and let's give the Rays a second with him."
Tampa Bay had a sneaky good trade deadline, acquiring Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins, as well as Tyler Wells from the Baltimore Orioles, bolstering an already strong backend of their bullpen. If Peralta can find a way to regroup into his ace-like form, one that he had while being a member of the Milwaukee Brewers as early as last season, then it may be the best trade deadline among any team inside Major League Baseball.
With adding another impressive bat in the middle of the order with Hicks to join the talents of Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, and Jonathan Aranda, the Rays Offense finally has the depth to make a run once the postseason comes along.
As long as health is on Tampa Bay's side, something that was an issue in 2023, when the Rays were also in the same scenario as one of the top contenders in the AL, then I like their chances.
Ironically, one of the biggest pieces they're waiting for, again, is Shane McClanahan. This time, the injury is not as serious. He is planning to return before the season's end if he can continue to have an All-Star-caliber season in his resurgence after missing nearly two seasons of baseball, as well as if Peralta can regain his form, the only problem Tampa Bay will have is choosing what pitchers to leave off their playoff roster when the time comes.
The RaysAL EastMLB Trade DeadlineCBS SportsTampa BayAmerican League's NoLiam HicksTyler WellsFreddy PeraltaRaysFollowingTampa Bay Rays
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