The Top 10 Tampa Bay Rays of All-Time

By Oliver Wiener August 12, 2024 09:48

Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images

Since their early difficulties in becoming a power in baseball, the Rays have been home to numerous notable players who have helped shape its current winning culture. In this article, we attempt to rank the top 10 players in Tampa Bay Rays history, weighing statistics and accomplishments against lasting legacy.

1. Evan Longoria

Position: Third Baseman
Years Played: 2006-2017
Accolades: AL Rookie of the Year (2008), 3× All-Star, 3× Gold Glove Award winner, Silver Slugger.

He currently leads the franchise in nearly every major offensive category, including home runs and RBIs over his 11 seasons with Tampa Bay. His postseason heroics, most notably in the 2008 playoffs, were key to the Rays reaching its first World Series.

2. Carl Crawford

Position: Outfielder
Years Played: 2002-2010
Key Stats: 296 BA, 104 HR, 592 RBIs and the steals (409)
Achievements: 2 x All-Star, Gold Glove Award (2009), four times AL stolen base leader.

A speed demon with tremendous defensive capabilities, Crawford was a major factor on the field. He was always one of the biggest game-changers in that event because his legs meant he could change a game at any moment; Crawford helped reignite and surge the Rays to success again.

3. David Price

Position: Pitcher
Years Played: 2008-2014
Career highlights: 2012 AL Cy Young winner, four-time All-Star, 2008 AL Rookie of the Year

Price was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft and a linchpin for that franchise soon after that skill set he brought to the Majors, and his success of 2010-12, especially those two years, made it clear what Walker was capable of. He played a key role for the Rays in their 2008 pennant-winning season and is still a beloved figure among fans.

4. Randy Arozarena

Position: Outfielder
Years Played: 2020-Present
Major Accomplishments: 2021 AL ROY, All-Star in 2023

He exploded onto the scene with an insane postseason run in 2020, and he has since emerged as one of the most exhilarating talents in baseball. A wrecking ball of power and speed who has been one of the best all-around players in baseball over his two seasons in Tampa Bay, his enthusiasm is infectious with both fans and teammates. He also has the pedigree of rising in clutch moments, as he produces at an alarming rate, which bodes well for his prospects within one of MLB's marquee franchises.

5. Blake Snell

Position: Pitcher
Years Played: 2016-2020
Stats: 42-19, 648 Ks in 556 IP, a career 3.24 ERA
Accomplishments: 2018 AL Cy Young Award, x1 All-Star

A two-time All-Star and the 2018 AL Cy Young winner, Snell established himself as one of baseball's premier starters during his tenure with Tampa Bay. His efforts in 2018, when he paced the majors with a career-high tying 20 wins and his second sub-2.00 ERA, gave him the accolade Cy Young of the Year.

6. Brandon Lowe

Position: Second Baseman
Years Played: 2019-Present
Key Stats: 261, 21 (2023), 99 (2021)
Accomplishments: 2021 All-Star, Finished Third AL ROY in (2019).

Lowe was drafted in 2015 and immediately showed up to the majors as another power-hitting dude who maybe could play multiple field positions. Lowe hit .247 with 39 homers in the season, and his performance helped him cement his place as a key player for the franchise. He is vital to continued on-field performance's continued growth and success in a streamlined stadium operation!

7. Matt Garza

Position: Pitcher
Years Played: 2006-2010
Stats To Know - 34 W, 3.86 ERA
Achievements: 2008 ALCS MVP; pitched the sole no-hitter in franchise history.

Of course, during the Rays' historic 2008 season, they needed Matt Garza to do it. He played a key role in their first pennant win, and his no-hitter in 2010 is still a franchise high point. Garza was a popular player with the Hawkeye faithful because of his spirit and how well he played in clutch situations, helping aid their success.

8. B.J. Upton

Position: Center Fielder
Years Played: 2004-2012
Key Stats: BA: 257, HR: 90
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 2008 ALCS MVP

B.J. Upton was a player who could do it all in his prime. He had the speed and plate discipline of a leadoff man or No. 2 hitter with some pop to boot. He was an important part of the Rays team that, from 2008, won their division, played in a World Series, and made multiple other playoff appearances.

9. Julio Lugo

Position: Shortstop
Years Played: 2003-2006
Key Stats: 301 OBP, .287 AVG
Career Highlights: 2005 All-Star

Many consider Julio Lugo the greatest SS in Rays history. His speed and defensive plays helped him become a solid player while with the team. His contributions to the position helped solidify a true cornerstone for the Rays in their formative seasons, and his memory is revered by those fans who were able to see just how good he was on that side of town.

10. Rocco Baldelli

Position: Outfielder
Years Played: 2003-2008
Key Stats: .280, 53 home runs, 239 RBIs
Fun fact: 2003 AL Rookie of the Year

Rocco Baldelli was a popular player during his days with the Rays, and in addition to being well-liked, he is known for fighting back from an illness that threatened his career and much more. He was a vital piece for the franchise because of his ability to hit and give offensively. He is remembered fondly in Tampa Bay baseball lore, outside of just his numbers.