I feel a little disadvantaged.

While the very concept of this project – to formulate and present a roster for each MLB team in 2027 – is imaginative and projective in nature, when you add in the elements of nonsense and unpredictability the Rays normally throw into the mix for a given lineup or season, let alone projecting outward years in advance, I think this may be conjecture at best and a fool’s errand at worst.

2027 Lineups - Prospects Live
Prospects LiveDrew Wheeler

Disadvantaged or not, I seem to be just the fool for the job of presenting “your” 2027 Tampa Bay Rays.

Before we get into the meat and potatoes of the article, I also think it best to address the elephant in the room and clarify I will not be mentioning Dominican Penal League shortstop Wander Franco beyond this note. Some may think he would have or hold value for the team if he is cleared of his horrid crimes, but I do not. Franco’s contract, gargantuan and regrettable as it is, will be the only remnant stink he offers the Rays for this exercise.