Rays Pitchers in World Baseball Classic: Team USA Roster

Rays Players to Shine in 2025 World Baseball Classic

The Tampa Bay Rays will be well-represented in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March 2025, with several players poised to make significant contributions to their respective national teams. From All-Stars to rising prospects, the Rays’ influence will be felt across the international stage.

dominican Republic Boasts Powerful Lineup

The Dominican Republic squad is shaping up to be a tournament favorite,and Junior Caminero,the 2025 All-Star infielder,will be a key component. He will share third base responsibilities with seven-time All-Star Jose Ramirez, creating a formidable power dynamic in the heart of the Dominican lineup. This pairing underscores the offensive firepower the Dominican Republic intends to bring to the competition.

Mexico welcomes Back Familiar Faces

Mexico’s roster will also benefit from Rays talent, as up-and-coming first baseman Jonathan Aranda is expected to rejoin the team after an impressive All-Star campaign. He will be joined by former Rays players Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes, adding further depth and experience to a scrappy Mexico lineup.

Did you know? – The World Baseball Classic began in 2006, created by MLB and the World Baseball Softball Confederation to boost baseball’s global appeal. The tournament is held every four years, excluding 2020 due to the pandemic.

Team USA Bolsters Bullpen with Rays Relievers

Team USA will look to the Rays’ bullpen for reinforcements, with relievers Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax earning spots on the roster. Both pitchers bring valuable experience and skillsets to the American squad.

Jax arrives in Tampa Bay via Trade

The acquisition of Griffin Jax by the Rays at the 2025 trade deadline was a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff. Tampa Bay traded away highly touted prospect Taj Bradley to the Minnesota Twins to secure Jax’s services. While Bradley, drafted by the Rays in 2018, showed promise in the minor leagues, his major league performance was hampered by a 4.86 ERA and a 3.3 walks-per-nine-innings rate.

“The front office decided to send him away in a trade while his prospective makeup remained optimistic,” a senior official stated.

jax, however, has quickly proven his worth. he compiled a 3.6 WAR over five seasons with the Twins and has already posted a 3.60 ERA with 27 strikeouts in just 20 innings for the Rays.

Pro tip – Evaluating a player’s WAR (Wins Above Replacement) provides a comprehensive measure of their overall contribution to a team, encompassing both offensive and defensive performance.

Cleavinger Provides Crucial Left-Handed Relief

left-handed pitcher Garrett Cleavinger will provide a vital balance to a Team USA bullpen largely composed of right-handers, alongside confirmed pitchers David Bednar, Mason Miller, and Clay Holmes. Having been a member of the Rays since 2022, Cleavinger has established himself as a reliable set-up man.

reader question – Do you think trading a promising prospect like Taj Bradley was worth it for the immediate impact of Griffin Jax? Share your thoughts!

Why: Several Tampa Bay Rays players will participate in the 2025 World Baseball Classic, representing the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Team USA.
Who: Key players include Junior Caminero, Jose Ramirez, Jonathan Aranda, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Garrett Cleavinger, and Griffin Jax.Taj Bradley was traded to facilitate Jax’s acquisition.
What: The article details the rays players selected for their national teams in the upcoming World Baseball classic and the trade that brought Griffin Jax