The 2021 Rays were not quite like any Rays team we’ve seen before. For one, they set their franchise record for most wins in a single season finishing with an even one hundred. The previous record belonged to the 97-win 2008 Rays who were able to ride that momentum all the way to the World Series.
What stands out on this Rays teams is the reliance on rookies. Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco are probably the first two Rays rookies that come to mind, and for good reason. Their 2021 seasons were among the best rookie seasons ever for Tampa Bay rookie position players:
All-Time Rays Rookie WAR Leaders (Hitters)
| 2008 | Evan Longoria | 122 | 508 | 0. |