Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Matthew Brown
Before the Rays became analytics darlings and perennial contenders, before even the “Devil” was dropped from their name, Tampa Bay baseball was building something special at the Trop. From the early struggles in those neon rainbow uniforms to the modern-day innovation factory, these 20 players helped transform baseball on Florida’s Gulf Coast, even if Cooperstown hasn’t yet come calling.
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Carl Crawford: The Speedster Who Stole Tampa’s Heart
Before launch angle changed baseball, Carl Crawford changed games with pure speed. His 409 stolen bases in a Rays uniform set a standard that may never be broken, and his four AL stolen base titles made him the most exciting player on artificial turf since Vince Coleman. The sight of Crawford taking his lead from first base made even routine ground balls must-see events.
Ben Zobrist: Master of All Positions
Before positional flexibility became baseball’s hottest trend, there was Ben Zobrist redefining what a utility player could be. His ability to play elite defense at seven different positions while posting an .800+ OPS made him Joe Maddon’s favorite Swiss Army knife. The term “Zobrist Position” entered baseball’s lexicon, describing a super-utility player who was actually one of the team’s best hitters.
David Price: The Ace Who Led the Price is Right Club
From his dramatic 2008 ALCS save against Boston to his 2012 Cy Young season, David Price set the standard for pitching excellence in Tampa Bay. His fan club, the “Price is Right,” became a Tropicana Field institution, complete with custom K cards. That easy smile and electric fastball made him the perfect ace for a team that was changing baseball’s expectations.
Kevin Kiermaier: The Outlaw of Center Field
Before Statcast quantified defensive excellence, the eye test told you everything about KK’s brilliance in center field. His three Gold Gloves barely hint at the number of extra-base hits he stole with diving catches and rocket throws. “The Outlaw” earned his nickname by robbing hitters with a fearless style that made every fly ball an adventure.
Aubrey Huff: The Original Devil Ray Slugger
During the dark days of Devil Rays baseball, Aubrey Huff’s bat provided rare moments of light. His 34 homers in 2003 stood as the franchise record until Carlos Peña came along, and his consistent production gave fans something to cheer about during those 100-loss seasons. In an era when Tampa Bay was building through youth, Huff was the reliable veteran who kept showing up and raking.
Carlos Peña: The Power Bat Who Found Home at the Trop
A minor league signing who became a franchise icon, Carlos Peña’s 2007 season (46 HR, 121 RBI) announced that these weren’t your older brother’s Devil Rays anymore. His power to all fields and Gold Glove defense at first base helped transform the team from pretender to contender. That sweet left-handed swing seemed perfectly designed for the Trop’s right field porch.
James Shields: Big Game James of the Sunburst Era
The nickname might have started as irony, but “Big Game James” earned every letter of it during the Rays’ rise to prominence. His 11 complete games in 2011 seemed like a throwback to another era, and his changeup became the pitch that young Rays hurlers dreamed of emulating. Shields’ competitiveness set the tone for a rotation that would become the American League’s best.
Scott Kazmir: The Young Gun Who Started It All
When the Devil Rays stole Kazmir from the Mets in a 2004 trade, they got their first true ace. His electric fastball and wipeout slider made him must-see TV during some otherwise forgettable seasons. Two All-Star appearances and an AL strikeout title by age 23 showed what was possible for a franchise that had previously only known pitching disappointment.
Rocco Baldelli: The Local Hero’s Bright but Brief Star
The “Rhode Island Rocket” seemed destined for superstardom before a rare metabolic condition altered his career path. His rookie season in 2003 drew comparisons to Joe DiMaggio, with a graceful style that made baseball look effortless. Though his playing career was cut short, Baldelli’s impact on the franchise extended far beyond his statistics.
B.J. Upton: The Five-Tool Phenom of the Breakthrough
The second overall pick in 2002 became a cornerstone of the Rays’ transformation, especially during the magical 2008 season. His three-homer game in the ALDS against Boston showed his enormous potential, while his range in center field turned doubles into outs. When Upton was locked in, there wasn’t a more exciting player in baseball.
Julio Lugo: The Spark Plug of the Devil Days
During the lean years, Julio Lugo provided both flash and substance at shortstop. His 2004 season (.275, 21 HR, 25 SB) showed what was possible when speed and power combined in the Tampa Bay lineup. Those rainbow Devil Rays uniforms never looked better than when Lugo was turning a double play or legging out a triple.
Dan Wheeler: The Reliable Arm in the Bullpen Revolution
Before the Rays became famous for their bullpen innovation, Dan Wheeler was setting the standard for relief excellence. His 89 holds from 2007-2010 helped bridge the gap between starters and closers during the team’s first successful run. Wheeler’s calm demeanor in high-leverage situations made him Joe Maddon’s most trusted firefighter.
Toby Hall: The Backstop Who Bridged Two Eras
From the Devil Rays’ darkest days to the dawn of the competitive era, Toby Hall was the steady presence behind the plate. His game-calling helped develop young pitchers like Scott Kazmir and James Shields, while his durability provided stability during turbulent times. Hall’s leadership helped lay the groundwork for the winning culture that would follow.
Randy Winn: The First All-Star in Franchise History
Someone had to be the first, and Randy Winn represented the Devil Rays with class in the 2002 All-Star Game. His switch-hitting prowess and steady outfield play provided consistency during the franchise’s early struggles. That All-Star selection validated the talent that was beginning to emerge in Tampa Bay, even if the wins weren’t there yet.
Chris Archer: The Slider Master of the New Era
With a slider that seemed to defy physics and a personality that lit up the clubhouse, Chris Archer embodied the modern Rays’ approach to pitching. His 2015 All-Star season showed his electric potential, while his mentorship of younger pitchers helped establish the Rays’ pitching factory reputation. That signature slider became the stuff of legend, moving so much it sometimes fooled his own catchers.
Matt Garza: The No-Hitter Hero
On July 26, 2010, Matt Garza delivered the first no-hitter in Rays history, shutting down the Detroit Tigers with a performance for the ages. His intensity on the mound and competitive fire made him the perfect fit for a young team learning to win. That historic night at the Trop proved that magic could happen under the tilted roof.
Jason Bartlett: The Shortstop Who Changed Everything
The transformation from Devil Rays to Rays coincided with Bartlett’s arrival, and that was no coincidence. His steady defense and clutch hitting helped power the worst-to-first miracle of 2008. Joe Maddon called him the team’s MVP that season, and his presence helped turn one of baseball’s worst defenses into one of its best.
Grant Balfour: The Aussie Rage on the Mound
The fiery Australian brought intensity and a unique personality to the Rays’ bullpen across two different stints. His famous “Balfour Rage” – talking aggressively to himself on the mound – became a fan favorite routine at the Trop. That competitive fire and devastating splitter made him one of the most memorable relievers in franchise history.
Fernando Rodney: The Crooked Cap Closer
His 2012 season (0.60 ERA, 48 saves) ranks among the greatest relief performances in baseball history. The tilted cap and imaginary arrow shot into the sky after each save became signature moments at the Trop. Rodney’s revival in Tampa Bay showed how the Rays could transform castoff relievers into dominant closers.
Evan Longoria: Mr. Ray and Game 162’s Hero
For a decade, Evan Longoria was Tampa Bay baseball. His walk-off homer to clinch the 2011 wild card remains the greatest moment in franchise history, coming just minutes after the Red Sox suffered their own collapse in Baltimore. Three Gold Gloves, three All-Star selections, and countless clutch hits made him the face of the franchise’s transformation from laughingstock to contender.