RAYS EXCEL FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
The success the Rays enjoyed in 2021 started the year before with Zoom sessions and FaceTime calls and instructional and inspirational messages texted across state lines, national borders and oceans beyond.
What the Rays did in the major leagues was obviously impressive. They won an American League-high and team-record 100 games. They claimed a second straight—and fourth in 14 years—AL East title in making the playoffs for a franchise-first third straight season.
And while the Rays’ season ended in the Division Series, Tampa Bay succeeded all while navigating a seemingly never-ending string of injuries and resulting roster churn that led to them using a franchise high 61 players, including 38 pitchers.
But it was what the Rays did in the minor leagues that elevated the organization above the standard winning MLB club. Tampa Bay’s domestic affiliates posted a composite .653 winning percentage—which is the highest on record going back more than 30 years—and won three championships plus a near-miss.
Rays prospects succeeded both collectively and individually, with a
