The game of baseball has changed in many ways in recent years, and the Rays are an active participant of a team who gains edges in very different ways. They’ve ranked in the top four in defensive shifts since 2016. Last year, Tampa Bay featured an opener pitcher in over 25 percent of their games, which led to a league-high in bullpen wins (56) and innings pitched (772.0).
Their success in pitching (3.65 ERA – 2nd) helped the Rays win 96 games and clinch their first playoff appearance since 2013. They’ve improved in each of the past three years.