The Tampa Bay Rays have endured a rollercoaster of emotions with their pitching staff, and the 2026 season brings a mix of hope and uncertainty. Here's the latest on three players who could significantly impact the team's fortunes:
Shane McClanahan's Long-Awaited Return:
Rays fans have patiently waited for the electrifying left-handed pitcher, Shane McClanahan, to grace the mound again. After missing two consecutive seasons due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2024 and a nerve issue in 2025, McClanahan is finally on the path to recovery. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, he's on track to be ready for the upcoming campaign, but his workload will likely be managed carefully.
In 2021, McClanahan made a solid debut, and he evolved into a formidable AL Cy Young candidate in 2022. He delivered an impressive 28 starts with a 2.54 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning. His season culminated in a strong Wild Card round start against the Guardians, where he pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs. However, he was outperformed by Shane Bieber.
And this is where it gets intriguing: despite potential innings restrictions, McClanahan's return to the rotation will be a much-needed boost for the Rays, who have seen their pitching staff depleted. Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot are currently at the top of the rotation, but the depth drops off quickly. Shane Baz, who tied for the team lead in starts last season, is now with Baltimore, and veterans Zack Littell and Adrian Houser have moved on. The Rays will look to fill the remaining spots with candidates like Joe Boyle, free agent signing Steven Matz, and trade acquisition Yoendrys Gomez. Littell could also re-enter the picture as a free agent.
Griffin Canning's Comeback:
Griffin Canning, a free agent right-hander, is also on the road to recovery after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon last season with the Mets. Canning recently threw for interested teams, clocking an impressive 93 mph on the radar gun, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. This performance has sparked interest from the Cardinals, White Sox, and Mets.
Canning was in the midst of a career-best season before his injury, posting a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts after signing a one-year, $4.25 million deal with New York. He made significant adjustments to his slider, adding more movement, and tweaked his changeup. These changes helped him regain the strikeout prowess that had diminished in his final season with the Angels.
Otto Kemp's Resilience:
Utility player Otto Kemp is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming season after a challenging 2025. Kemp suffered a fractured kneecap just two weeks after his call-up, yet he played through the pain for the remainder of the campaign. He underwent offseason surgery to repair the injury and had a cleanup procedure on his shoulder. Kemp expressed his positive recovery in an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia, stating he feels 'back to 100%, which is awesome.'
Kemp, now 26, showcased his power in his brief stint in the big leagues, hitting eight home runs in 62 games. He finished with a .411 SLG but had a strikeout rate above 30%. Kemp is in the mix for platoon work alongside Brandon Marsh in the outfield, offering a glimmer of hope for the Rays' offense.
But here's where it gets controversial: with McClanahan's return, will the Rays be able to manage his workload effectively while maintaining their competitive edge? And can Canning and Kemp truly bounce back to their pre-injury forms? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly shape the Rays' 2026 season. What do you think? Are the Rays on the right track with their pitching staff, or should they be making different moves?
