Rays left 'no stone unturned' building roster en route to ALCS

October 14, 2026

The Tampa Bay Rays’ path to the American League Championship Series reflects a relentless, resourceful approach to roster construction. While the team features a few homegrown talents like Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson, the majority of its 26-man postseason lineup was assembled through unconventional means.

Only three players were originally drafted by the Rays, while a single international signing—Aranda—joined their ranks. The bulk of the roster, however, arrived via trades (16 players), free agency (five players, including four in MLB free agency), minor-league free agency, and the Rule 5 Draft.

Many of these players, such as Bryan Baker (who tied for the MLB lead with 41 saves) and Victor Mesa Jr., were acquired after facing setbacks elsewhere, including being designated for assignment or traded multiple times. This strategy has paid off, with players like Liam Hicks and Richie Palacios now forming the backbone of Tampa Bay’s lineup and pitching staff.

The Rays’ commitment to scouting and development extends beyond the active roster, with assistant general manager Kevin Ibach emphasizing a meticulous evaluation of every possible transaction. Players like Tyler Wells and Cole Sulser, both former Rule 5 picks, have thrived in Tampa Bay after being overlooked or discarded by other organizations.

With the ALCS tied at one game, the Rays’ ability to maximize the potential of these acquired players could be the key to their postseason success. Their roster is a testament to the team’s philosophy of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of championship contention.