Led by Evan Longoria, Rays live and die by the long ball

As the 2017 fantasy baseball season approaches, we take a look at the biggest news and story lines from each club. We'll feature one team each weekday ... and we'll finish up on Feb. 15, the first day all teams will have their pitchers and catchers on the field for workouts.

2017 fantasy baseball team previews

It may seem surprising that a team in what's considered a pitcher-friendly home park would rely so heavily on the home run on offense. But that's what the Tampa Bay Rays do. Despite being in the bottom quarter of MLB teams in scoring, the Rays hit 216 home runs last season -- more than the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox or Colorado Rockies -- and they struck out more than any other AL team.  That approach requires excellent pitching, something the Rays didn't get a year ago.

2016 at a glance

Record: 68-94 (5th in AL East)

MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024

Hitting: 24th (4.15 R/G)

Pitching: 16th (4.20 ERA)

Arrivals

OF Colby Rasmus

OF Mallex Smith

C Wilson Ramos

Don't expect much of an impact from any of these newcomers, although Rasmus has the inside track to start in left field with Corey Dickerson better suited for the DH spot. Rasmus has 15-25 homer power, but last season his 15 homers came with a host of injuries and a career low .206/.286/.355 slash line.

Smith put up crazy stolen base totals in the minors (64 in 2013, 88 in 2014, 57 in 2015). Getting the call to the majors last season, he swiped 16 in 24 attempts, but hit just .238 (including 4-for-50 vs. left-handers). 

Putting the finishing touches on a career year, Ramos saw his stock as a free agent implode when he blew out his knee in late September. The Rays took a chance on him with a two-year deal, even though he may not be able to catch much this season. However, he's reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab and could be available to DH as early as May.

Players to watch

3B Evan Longoria

SP Chris Archer

Longoria rebounded from a couple of disappointing power seasons with a career-high 36 home runs, although he did it with a career-low .318 OBP.

Speaking of disappointments, Archer got off to a terrible start (1-4, 5.01 ERA in April) and his stats never really recovered as he was victimized repeatedly by the home run ball. However, he was quietly much better in the second half, pitching to a 3.25 ERA after the All-Star break. He also tied for second in the AL in strikeouts with 233.

Sleepers

OF Kevin Kiermaier

SP Jake Odorizzi

A Gold Glover in center field, Kiermaier's offensive production was curtailed by a wrist injury. However, he was an impressive 21-for-24 in stolen base attempts. A full, healthy season could make him an interesting breakout candidate. 

Like Archer, Odorizzi was victimized by the home run ball, but was much better in the second half of the season, going 7-1 with a 2.71 ERA.

Bullpen

Closer: Alex Colome

Next: Brad Boxberger

A converted starter, Colome took over the closer's job when Boxberger was injured and never gave it back. He made the AL All-Star team and finished with 37 saves and a 1.94 ERA. He was also the subject of trade rumors this offseason, so keep that in mind if the Rays aren't in contention when the trade deadline approaches. Boxberger, Danny Farquhar and free agent pickup Shawn Tolleson all have closing experience.

Position battles

The Rays will likely platoon at three positions, with Rasmus, 1B Logan Morrison and possibly DH Corey Dickerson sitting against left-handed pitchers. But don't expect much from the likes of Nick Franklin, Tim Beckham or Rickie Weeks.

With Ramos unable to catch for a while, there's no clear No. 1 behind the plate. Curt Casali and Luke Maile are the front-runners, but veteran free agent pickup Mike McKenry may be the best hitter of the three.

Prospects

SS Willy Adames

SP Jose De Leon

SP Brent Honeywell

The Rays have some exciting youngsters in the farm system. Adames, 21, is the best of the bunch, coming off a season in which he hit .274/.372/.430 at Class AA. He needs a little more time in the minors, but could fill an important hole as the everyday shortstop.

De Leon, 24, was the Dodgers' top pitching prospect before arriving in a trade for 2B Logan Forsythe. He went 7-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 86 1/3 innings before getting his first taste of the majors. He'll likely start the season at Class AAA, but would be the first name on the list if the Rays need another starter.

Honeywell, 21, starred in the Arizona Fall League after posting excellent numbers at High-A and Class AA. Given the Rays' penchant for slowly developing their pitching prospects, don't expect him in the majors until 2018 at the earliest.

Projected batting order

1. CF Kevin Kiermaier

2. 2B Brad Miller

3. 3B Evan Longoria

4. DH Corey Dickerson

5. SS Matt Duffy

6. LF Colby Rasmus/Rickie Weeks

7. RF Steven Souza

8. 1B Logan Morrison/Nick Franklin

9. C Curt Casali

Projected rotation

1. RHP Chris Archer

2. RHP Jake Odorizzi 

3. RHP Alex Cobb

4. LHP Blake Snell

5. RHP Matt Andriese