Tampa Bay Rays

Manager: Kevin Cash, 7th season (454-416)

2020 finish: 40-20 record, 1st in AL East; Lost in World Series to Dodgers

Key additions: Chris Archer, Michael Wacha, Rich Hill

Notable losses: Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, Hunter Renfroe

The skinny: With their organization run as a small-market team, it wasn’t exactly surprising — but still interesting — that the Rays parted with two of their best pitchers from their World Series team, declining the option on Morton before trading Snell to San Diego. That leaves them with Tyler Glasnow and Ryan Yarbrough at the top of the rotation, and they added veterans Archer, Wacha and Hill to fill out the rest. They clearly took a step back in this department, which will hurt their chances of even returning to the postseason.

If the Rays can make the playoffs, it will have to be because of their offense. October hero Randy Arozarena will be counted on to carry the lineup, and they have a talented outfield that includes Kevin Kiermaier and Manuel Margot. The Rays are hoping guys like Austin Meadows and Ji-Man Choi, who had underwhelming offensive seasons in 2020, can bounce back, while Brandon Lowe, who hit 14 homers in the shortened season, can continue his trajectory.

Bottom line: The Rays didn’t make many moves to bolster their squad this offseason — this is mostly the same squad that came a few games from winning the World Series. But if there’s anything we’ve learned about the Rays, it’s that they adjust and find a way. Don’t count them out.