Jonathan Aranda returned from a July wrist fracture to power the Rays in the final series, launching two homers and driving in five runs across three games. His 2025 season finished strong: .316/.393/.489 with 14 homers, 2.5 fWAR over 106 games, placing him among MLB leaders in batting average, on-base percentage, and wRC+. Despite Tampa Bay being swept by Toronto, Aranda’s late-season surge provided a major positive note for fantasy managers monitoring his health and upside next year.

The Rays leaned on a deep lineup featuring Diaz, Lowe, Walls, and a rising group of youngsters like Caminero and Simpson, with Misner pacing the DraySBAY Player of the Series list. The club closed 2025 with momentum and plenty of internal depth to maximize fantasy value in 2026, even as the Jays claimed the AL East.

Travis Jankowski played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Rays' thrilling 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, culminating in an RBI single during the ninth inning. This marked a historic home game for the Rays, as they experienced weather delays for the first time in their franchise history. Jankowski, who joined the team after spring training stints with the Cubs and White Sox, also contributed with a sacrifice fly earlier in the game, helping Tampa Bay take a 2-1 lead.

The game was not without drama; after a rain delay, both teams' pitchers combined to retire 19 consecutive batters before the tumultuous ninth inning. Jankowski's performance, alongside key plays from rookie Kameron Misner, who scored two runs, proved essential. As Tampa Bay prepares for the series finale, they continue to impress despite playing at Steinbrenner Field due to damage at Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton.

Kameron Misner experienced his first trip to New York in a rather unexpected manner, facing the notorious Yankee Stadium bleachers while sporting cowboy boots and a hat. Drawing attention with his ensemble, Misner couldn't escape the lively heckling from the fans, which he found amusing despite the intensity. This was a stark contrast to his previous visit when he underwent surgery for a foot injury. Fast forward to now, Misner has found his footing in Tampa Bay's lineup as they navigate injuries, particularly with Josh Lowe sidelined due to back spasms.

While Misner's early-season performance was promising, hitting over .300, his recent numbers dipped, paralleling the struggles faced by the entire team against pitching ace Max Fried. Rays manager Kevin Cash remains optimistic about Misner's adjustments at the plate. On another front, Josh Lowe's recovery is progressing well after an injection for muscle spasms, potentially allowing him to return to action soon. Young pitcher Taj Bradley is also making strides, aiming for a milestone of 200 innings this season as he prepares for his next start. The Rays' depth is under scrutiny, with their Triple-A lineup featuring standout performances like Joe Boyle's impressive outing, raising questions about how to best manage players within an already full rotation.

The Week 3 fantasy baseball waiver wire is bustling with valuable additions, including standout performances from Trevor Story and emerging prospects like Logan Henderson and Michael Busch. Story has been on fire recently, posting an impressive .379 batting average with a home run and four stolen bases in his last seven games. The Boston Red Sox shortstop is available in over 40% of leagues, making him a prime candidate for those looking to boost their rosters. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have promoted Logan Henderson, a highly touted pitching prospect, who showcased a solid 3.21 ERA in Triple-A and is set to make his MLB debut soon. Other players to watch include Anthony Bender, who could provide bullpen help, and Kameron Misner, a promising outfielder.