Rays Your Voice: A Tampa Bay Rays Podcast

In this episode, Brett Rutherford is joined by Cole Mitchem analyze the Tampa Bay Rays' opening series against the Cardinals, roster strategies, and provide a State of the Farm Sytem after Erik Neander and company have spent the last two years reloading with prospects at all levels of the minor leagues. They discuss key players, new rules like ABS, and the team's future outlook, providing deep insights into the Rays' current state and prospects for 2026. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season Preview 03:02 Opening Series Analysis 11:58 ABS Challenge System Discussion 21:00 Concerns About Starting Pitchers 24:03 State of the Rays Farm System 58:22 Future Prospects and Player Potential 01:04:36 Brody Hopkins: The Best Prospect in the System 01:08:05 Jacob Melton: Power and Defense in the Outfield 01:14:39 Ty Johnson: An Underrated Pitching Prospect 01:22:28 Future Impact: Prospects to Watch in 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson are joined by Elijah Flewellen this episode to preview the 2026 season. The hosts discuss the latest injuries to Ryan Pepiot, Gavin Lux, and Taylor Walls, and how they impact the shape of the Rays Opening Day Roster. To end the show, Darby and Elijah go head-to-head in a Rays Opening Day-themed trivia contest, before everyone teams up to try and tackle a fan-favorite Rays Sporcle quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson analyze the World Baseball Classic, team USA's performance, and potential Tampa Bay Rays branding updates. They explore team dynamics, roster battles, and exciting uniform rebrand options, providing insights into international baseball and Rays' future plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rays Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson are joined by Ben Whitelaw to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays. They delve into the recent approval to give the Rays state-owned for a new ballpark by the Florida Cabinet, injury updates for players like Taylor Walls, Edwin Uceta, and Chandler Simpson. The conversation shifts into a discussion about fringe players in camp who could make an impact this season, the evolving catching situation, and the potential of pitching prospects. With spring training underway, the hosts emphasize the importance of evaluating player performance and mechanical changes as the Rays prepare for the upcoming season. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:38 Stadium Saga Updates 06:33 Injury News and Bullpen Dynamics 22:30 Fringe Players and Spring Training Insights 26:26 Evaluating Ben Williamson's Role with the Rays 31:28 Ryan Vilade: A Hidden Gem for the Rays 37:11 The Outfield Shuffle: Who Stays and Who Goes? 53:11 Catching Prospects: The Future of Rays' Catching 01:05:52 Assessing Boyle and Seymour's Future Roles 01:10:45 Spring Training Insights and Player Evaluations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the excitement surrounding the start of spring training, focusing on player updates, particularly Junior Caminero's emergence as the face of the franchise. With the World Baseball Classic starting soon, Brett and Darby highlight the Rays' participants and their potential impact in the tournament. The conversation shifts to predictions for the upcoming MLB season with a focus on playing time for Rays players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent Super Bowl, the transition to baseball season, and the signing of pitcher Nick Martinez. They delve into spring training storylines, including roster projections and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. The conversation also covers stadium renderings for the new Rays ballpark and the potential impact on the team's future. The hosts emphasize the importance of health and the depth of the outfield and pitching staff as they prepare for the season ahead. 00:00 Introduction and Super Bowl Recap 14:08 Discussion on Nick Martinez Signing and Team Dynamics 19:59 Stadium Renderings and Future Developments 33:05 Chandler Simpson's role 41:53 Evaluating the Outfield Depth 49:07 Catcher Conundrums: The Rays' Dilemma 01:04:35 Spring Training Insights and Expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent press conference led by Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium plans. They analyze the significance of DeSantis's support, the involvement of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and the role of Hillsborough College in the project. The conversation also covers the new ownership and the important role of CEO Ken Babby. Brett and Darby also discuss recent trade for Ben Williamson, and how he fits into the Rays lineup. Additionally, they touch on the changes in the Rays' broadcast and viewing options for the upcoming season.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Press Conference 11:48 Ken Babby's Leadership and Community Engagement 17:55 Funding Discussions and Next Steps 30:31 Tampa's Evolving Sports Landscape and Infrastructure 35:32 Trade Analysis: The Rays Acquire Ben Williamson 01:01:21 Rays' Future Strategy and Roster Decisions 01:06:18 Changes in Rays' Broadcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rays Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent announcement of a new stadium deal for the Tampa Bay Rays at Hillsborough Community College. The conversation begins with Darby's hopeful reaction to the news, despite the cautious optimism of many fans who have experienced previous disappointments. Also, last week the Rays completed a three-team trade that saw them acquire second baseman Gavin Lux and right-handed pitching prospect Chris Clark, while sending former first round pick Josh Lowe to the Angels. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Initial Reactions to the Stadium Deal 10:02 The New Ownership Group's Approach to Buillding a Ballpark 17:12 Looking Ahead: Financial Considerations 23:16 Cautious Optimism for the Future 43:55 Gavin Lux's Role and Performance 01:00:02 The Impact of the World Baseball Classic 01:09:50 Financial Disparities in MLB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent trades involving Brandon Lowe and Shane Baz. They analyze the players involved, the potential impact on the team's performance in 2026, and the future of the Rays' roster. The conversation also touches on the state of the AL East, the importance of pitching prospects, and the overall direction of the Rays as they head into the new season. 01:24 Brandon Lowe Trade Breakdown 10:51 Lowe's Place in Rays History 17:16 Roster Construction Challenges 30:32 Evaluating the Return for Shane Baz 39:39 Comparing Team Trajectories in the AL East 42:38 The Rays' Long-Term Vision and Roster Decisions 45:50 Ketel Marte Trade Considerations 50:01 Addressing the Second Base Dilemma 55:58 Concerns Over Starting Rotation 59:55 Future Outlook and Team Direction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the recent signings of Cedric Mullins and Steven Matz, and how they fit in on the Rays roster. They analyze the implications of these moves for the team's roster, focusing on Mullins' potential to provide veteran leadership and stability in the outfield, as well as Matz's versatility as a pitcher. The hosts also discuss the recent Winter Meetings in baseball, highlighting the excitement and rumors surrounding potential trades. Specifically, the Brandon Lowe was rumored to be on the market, and the Rays are reportedly in trade talks with the Diamondbacks about Ketel Marte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rays Your Voice, hosts Brett Rutherford and Darby Robinson discuss the latest offseason moves for the Tampa Bay Rays, including the decision to pick up the options of Brandon Lowe and Taylor Walls, while declining Pete Fairbanks'. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of these decisions, the performance of key players, and the overall strategy for the upcoming season. In this episode, the hosts also begin their 2025 season autopsy, starting with the catchers and infielders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices