Ranking AL teams with best chance to reach the World Series

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Early in the season, the Rays were arguably the best team in baseball, starting out 13-0 and winning 30 games before they had even lost 10. Significant injuries to star pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan, as well as Wander Franco being placed on administrative leave as he gets investigated for an alleged relationship with a minor, has changed the narrative. Yet, Tampa Bay deserves credit for staying afloat despite the adversity, as the Rays are still just 3.5 games out of the division lead, and hold an eight-game lead in the wild-card race with a 16-7 record over their last 23 games. The Rays have experience on their side after reaching the World Series in 2020, and have a potent lineup led by Yandy Diaz, Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes. The pitching staff has also been good overall, leading to a league-best +186 run differential, but having enough depth in the rotation come October could be an issue.