(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays have been incredible this season.
Most years, the Rays usually fly under the radar and put together successful season after successful season.
But, this year the whole league knows how good they have been.
They started the year 13-0 and have not slowed down despite losing some games.
One spot where they have been dominant is at home.
According to OptaStats, only six teams in MLB history have had a better record than the Rays through their first 40 home games.
Only six teams in the Modern Era (since 1901) have had a better record through their first 40 home games than the @raysbaseball team’s 32-8 (.800) mark this season. Of those six, only one failed to make the World Series that year, with three of the remaining five going on to win. pic.twitter.com/gdlpe7xJw2
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) June 22, 2023
Of the six teams with a better record than Tampa, only one failed to make the World Series.
The Rays last made the World Series in 2020, when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But they have all the pieces to return to the Fall Classic this year.
On the season the Rays have a 52-25 record.
The three hitters that stand out the most on their team are Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco, and Yandy Diaz.
Arozarena is a sneaky AL MVP candidate, hitting .292 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI.
Also, he has a .409 OBP and .907 OPS.
Franco is the former number-one prospect in baseball and he is playing like it.
He is batting .287 with eight home runs and 34 RBI.
Not to mention Franco has 24 stolen bases, which is the third most in baseball.
The Rays continue to get strong pitching from both their starters and bullpen.
Shane McClanahan is once again one of the best pitchers in baseball and he is leading their staff.
While this Rays team may not have many big names they certainly have some great players.
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