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MLB2h ago

Rays Rely on Culture and Trades to Reach World Series

Tampa Bay's self-awareness and process deliver a spot in the 122nd World Series after a 7-3 win over the Guardians.

By OddsListing wire desk

· 2 min read

Rays Rely on Culture and Trades to Reach World Series
On this page3 sections
  1. Belief in Their Method
  2. Key Acquisitions and Performance
  3. Shared Traits With Brewers

Belief in Their Method

The Rays advanced to the World Series by defeating the Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series before 40,230 fans. Their approach centers on constant questioning, improvement and accountability, which carried the club through challenges including the loss of a key player around whom they had planned to build. A department of nearly 200 staff members produced a roster of 26 players who secured the AL title.

Key Acquisitions and Performance

Trades brought in Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz from the Guardians in separate deals three years apart, along with Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets. Peralta earned ALCS MVP honors with 5 1/3 innings pitched. A 36-year-old right-hander signed to a one-year, $13 million contract added depth and helped foster team connections.

Shared Traits With Brewers

The Rays and Brewers both rank low in payroll at 26th and 19th and in market size at 19th and 30th, yet they produce strong results through multidimensional offense, varied pitching and attention to defense, bunting and base stealing. Less than 8 percent of the Rays roster came from the two trades with Cleveland, showing how the organization's overall process creates success beyond any single addition.

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