A Look at 2025 Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay Rays

Shane McClanahan

Tampa Bay’s left-handed ace, Shane McClanahan, is anticipated to fully recover and be ready for Spring Training after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. This procedure, which he had in August 2023, sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, leaving a significant gap in the Rays’ pitching lineup. In December, the team’s management outlined a cautious approach for McClanahan’s return, stating that he would have an innings limit set at 150 for the upcoming year.

Over his career, McClanahan has showcased impressive statistics, posting an ERA of 3.02 and a remarkable strikeout rate of 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Despite these impressive numbers, there is inherent uncertainty regarding how his performance will translate upon his return from surgery.

McClanahan is armed with an elite four-seam fastball, a devastating changeup, and a strong curveball, which add to his arsenal of pitches. However, the Rays will be facing a notable challenge this season as they shift to a more hitter-friendly park, which may lead to a decline in McClanahan’s statistics compared to the typically pitcher-friendly confines of Tropicana Field, their usual home.

Taj Bradley

Bradley had a mixed performance during the 2024 season. He enjoyed a remarkable stretch where he went 5-1 with a 0.82 ERA over nine starts in the summer. However, this was followed by a disappointing run, where he went 0-7 with a 7.88 ERA in his next nine starts.

The question for the Rays in 2025 is: which Taj Bradley will show up?

Overall, Bradley finished the 2024 season with a 4.11 ERA, recording 154 strikeouts in 138 innings. I find it difficult to predict whether he will improve or decline in 2025. He needs to improve against left-handed hitters, and while his fastball isn’t elite, it has potential. We know he can excel in shorter stints; the real question is whether he can maintain his strong performances consistently throughout the entire season.

Ryan Pepiot

The 27-year-old showcased his potential in his inaugural full season as a starting pitcher in 2024. With a solid 3.60 ERA and an impressive total of 142 strikeouts over 130 innings, Pepiot demonstrated his ability to excel on the mound. His 29.9% whiff rate highlights his electric stuff. Armed with an elite fastball that consistently reaches a velocity of 94-95 mph, he has a go-to pitch that he leans on, especially when his secondary offerings falter.

However, to truly reach his potential, Pepiot must refine his slider and changeup. As he embarks on what will be only his second full season as a starting pitcher, there is a genuine possibility for significant growth and the emergence of a breakout year. He is definitely a compelling talent to keep an eye on!

Zack Littell 

The Rays worked their usual pitching development magic with Littell after acquiring him off waivers in 2023. Initially a reliever, the Rays transitioned him into a swingman and eventually into a starting role.

By 2024, their efforts paid off as Littell became a reliable member of the starting rotation, posting a 3.63 ERA over 156.1 innings. He performed significantly better at Tropicana Field compared to his road appearances last season. However, I’m curious about how the new, hitter-friendly home ballpark will impact his statistics. Littell’s fastball isn’t particularly impressive and tends to be quite hittable. He relies on his slider and splitter to navigate through innings. This season, I would expect his ERA to rise above 4.00.

Shane Baz 

In 2024, Shane Baz recorded a 3.06 ERA over 79.1 innings. The Rays are optimistic that he can exceed 140 innings in 2025. He possesses a solid combination of fastball and curveball. If he can make his slider effective as well, he has the potential to become a star.

Drew Rasmussen 

The 29-year-old has undergone three elbow surgeries in his career, raising concerns about his durability. The Rays plan to bring him back as a starter, but given his significant injury history, it might be wiser for Tampa to use him in the bullpen instead. He boasts a career ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.09. Rasmussen has a lively fastball that sits between 96-97 mph, and he also throws a cutter and a sinker, allowing him to maintain a high strikeout rate. I’m eager to see how the Rays utilize him this season.