Rays 2025 outlook: 77-85, but Edwin Uceta's late-season surge reshapes the bullpen narrative. He finished 10-3 with a 3.70 ERA and 103 Ks in 76 innings, logging a 1.70 ERA over his final 30 appearances with a 36.7% strikeout rate and 21 holds. That late-flare made him one of only a handful of Rays relievers ever to post 10+ wins, 100+ strikeouts and 20 holds in a season, a testament to the bullpen’s hidden upside.

With Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Chandler Simpson providing youth, and Ryan Pepiot, Drew Rasmussen, Ian Seymour, and Shane Baz anchoring a rising rotation, Tampa Bay head toward the offseason with momentum. Griffin Jax could anchor the bullpen if he recaptures his Twins form, while Uceta’s finish offers a blueprint for a stronger 2026 season.

Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum supplied the early punch for Tampa Bay, with Lowe belting his 31st homer and Mangum adding a solo shot as the Rays jumped in front of Baltimore. The Rays chased a no-hitter into the seventh, stifling the Orioles through six innings before Tyler O’Neill broke it with a leadoff single off Griffin Jax. A sturdy Rays bullpen carried the shutout run into late innings, while the Rays countered with a 6-2 win that highlighted their power and bullpen depth.

Fantasy-wise, Lowe’s 30+ homer pace remains the centerpiece, and Mangum’s rising power adds a clear extra-base threat behind the big slugger. The night also underscored Shane Baz’s return-to-form arc and the bullpen’s ability to bridge nine scoreless frames, setting up a tantalizing pitching duel with Drew Rasmussen against Cade Povich in the finale.

Overall, this game gave Rays managers several actionable takeaways: keep Lowe rolling in the heart of the order, monitor Mangum’s breakout potential, and watch Rays relievers maintain the late-inning edge while Baltimore adjusts its lineup for the next meeting.

In the world of fantasy baseball auction drafts, targeting players with an Average Auction Value (AAV) of just $1 can uncover significant value. This strategy is particularly vital when managing a tight budget during drafts. Players available at this price point often represent potential sleepers that can contribute unexpectedly. Focus on players who not only have shown glimpses of talent but also exhibit promising metrics that can translate well into a fantasy environment.

Nolan Schanuel, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, is a prime example. Despite a mediocre 2024 season, he demonstrated strong plate discipline and solid on-base skills, making him a valuable asset in AVG/OBP formats. Edwin Uceta of the Tampa Bay Rays, after a rocky start to his MLB career, has transformed into a dominant reliever, boasting a 1.51 ERA in 2024. Luke Weaver, now with the Yankees, has also emerged as a potential closer option, especially with the team's recent trade for Devin Williams. Jonathan Aranda, limited by Tampa Bay's roster depth, showed impressive hitting metrics and could thrive with more playing time.

The cost of drafting closers this spring has surged, with significant positioning in the early rounds. Five closers are currently going in the top 60, while 10 are in the top 100, and 20 in the top 200. Last season saw a similar trend, but only 4 of the 11 closers in the top 100 returned value, leading to concerns about this year's investments. Despite the high demand, the actual number of closers achieving 30 saves was just eight, with several underperforming in other categories such as ERA and WHIP.

Some lesser-known relievers may provide value later in drafts, and the article highlights 15 such pitchers outside the top 300 who could prove valuable, including Chris Martin and Calvin Faucher. Martin, for instance, possesses a solid track record but faces competition from newcomers. Meanwhile, other options like Edwin Uceta and Seth Halvorsen offer potential upside despite their teams’ challenges. It's crucial for fantasy players to consider both current performance and potential for saves when drafting closers this year.