About this episode
Tampa Bay Rays eye a winning season as PECOTA projections suggest 82 victories—could this signal a return to AL East prominence? Shane McClanahan’s health and revamped bullpen, featuring Bryan Baker and Griffin Jax, become pivotal pieces as the Rays count on pitching, defense, and Tropicana Field advantage to stay competitive.Hosts Kevin and Ulises explore how recent free-agent acquisitions, lineup tweaks, and speedsters like Chandler Simpson—mentored by Kevin Kiermaier—might reshape the club’s dynamic.Chandler Simpson’s elite speed and bat-to-ball skills spark debate: Is his lack of power offset by havoc on the basepaths? The hosts highlight new owner Patrick Zalupski’s accessible approach, answering fan concerns about ticket prices and banners.With the Rays now embracing higher expectations and engaging fans on social media, will they finally move beyond celebrating wildcard berths and aim for postseason glory?00:00 — Rays 2026 Win Projections10:57 — Kiermaier Mentors Simpson19:46 — Rays Ownership EngagementFollow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlisesFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/...#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLBEverydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday...Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-
