TAMPA BAY RAYS

The Rays stumbled through back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 (80-82) and 2025 (77-85), with hurricane damage to Tropicana Field forcing a 2025 relocation to Steinbrenner Field and contributing to ownership turnover. The rebuild saw Isaac Paredes traded while 21-year-old Junior Caminero took over third base and became a collector focus heading into 2026, with his 2024 rookie cards gaining traction despite modest surface stats. The front office also moved pitchers Taj Bradley and Shane Baz, shifting interest away from their prospect-era cards as the rotation reset around Tyler Glasnow's health and returning arms like Jeffrey Springs.

Where they stand: Tampa Bay has surged to first place in the AL East with a 65-46 record as of August 9, 2026, a dramatic turnaround after consecutive sub-.500 campaigns. The club returned to a repaired Tropicana Field under new ownership and has ridden strong pitching to contention. Caminero is anchoring the lineup while top prospect Theo Gillen continues his Double-A development, keeping rookie card speculation active for the stretch run.