Rays' Key Contributors Shine in ALCS Run

The Tampa Bay Rays have reached the ALCS this season, thanks in part to significant contributions from players such as Bryan Baker, Kevin Kelly, Victor Mesa Jr., Liam Hicks, and Nick Martinez. The Athletic's Will Sammon examined how the Rays identified and acquired these players.

Kelly was selected as a Rule 5 Draft pick from the Rockies in 2022, while Martinez joined the team through a notable one-year, $13 million free agent contract last winter. Baker was traded from the Orioles for a draft pick in July 2025, Mesa was acquired in a deal with the Marlins last February, and Hicks was obtained from the Marlins at the recent trade deadline.

Martinez stands out as the only higher-paid player among the group, with the other four collectively earning under $4 million in 2026. This successful strategy reflects the Rays' ability to discover undervalued talent, highlighting the effectiveness of their scouting, analytics, and development teams. The franchise aims for its first World Series title this fall.