Tampa Bay Rays: Stock up, stock down

Randy Arozarena, outfield:  Like Diaz, Arozarena is having a career year with a career-high batting average of .292 to go with 14 home runs and 54 RBI.

He also brings speed on the base paths and above-average defense in the outfield, making him a true five-tool player.

Not only has his play been stellar this season, Arozarena has established himself as a fan-favorite and a special member of the community. The Rays have dedicated sections in the left field seating to him, calling it "Randy Land".

Not eligible to become a free agent until after the 2026 season, the Rays will have time to hammer out a contract extension that could see Arozarena finish his career with the Rays.

Stock Down

Brandon Lowe, second base: After being limited to only 65 games in 2022, Lowe has seen injuries disrupt his season this year as well. In 50 games played he has posted a .205 average with nine home runs and 29 RBI. 

Not known for his defense, he relies on his bat to provide value to the Rays, but with that regression at the plate his value to the team continues to diminish. 

With a career-year in 2021, Lowe hasn't been able to replicate the 39 home runs and 99 RBI he achieved that season, but the Rays hold out hope that he will look more like himself after his recent stay on the injured list.

The Rays gave Lowe a team-friendly extension in 2019, buying out his arbitration years. Holding club options of $10.5M in 2025 and $11.5M in 2026, Lowe will need to prove that he can stay on the field enough to produce at those levels. 

Starting Pitching: While the production from the starting pitching has been great in 2023, the health of the pitching staff has been the polar opposite. 

Having already dealt with the loss of two pitchers off to career-best starts in Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen for the season, the Rays have also had a scare with ace Shane McClanahan, who left his most recent start with slight back stiffness.

With Tyler Glasnow still figuring things out after his return from injuries over the past two seasons, the Rays are relying on a mixture of rookies and journeyman pitchers to give them innings while their offense helps provide the spark in most games.

While the rotation has been successful, the Rays could still use depth to help them spread around innings to get through the regular season as healthy as possible as they have a World Series title on their mind in 2023.