For the second offseason in a row, the Rays have taken an unorthodox — which now makes it orthodox, I suppose — approach to the offseason.
After setting franchise records in home runs (and strikeouts) in the 2016-17 seasons, an era that netted a combined 148-176 win-loss record, the organization decided to retool, unloading many players who seemed to be part of their future. And even though the Rays hit 78 less home runs in 2018, the offense took steps forward in many respects.
But they didn’t stop there. They’ll go into the new year sans their top three home run hitters once again.