Exclusive: Sportscaster TJ Rives has high expectations for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023: "They will contend again in the Big Bad American League East"

The Tampa Bay Rays are considered a small-market team in MLB, but they are able to consistently put forth competitive teams. This is made even more impressive by the fact that they are in a division with big spenders such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Tampa Bay radio host T.J. Rives doesn't see that changing this season. While the Toronto Blue Jays have seemingly made remarkable strides this offseason, the Rays still have a chance. If the past few years are anything to go off of, betting against the Tampa Bay Rays' success is not a smart move.

T.J. Rives sat down for an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, where he shared his thoughts on the upcoming season.

"They will contend again in the Big Bad American League East with [the] Yankees and the Godzilla Red Sox that spend five times the money," Rives said. "The Rays will be competitive again. They always seem to be right there in the thick of things in the baseball playoffs"

He explained why he is confident in the team:

"Here we go again, with budgets in small markets, and not everybody has the same amount of spin. So, the Rays have basically done this with starting pitching and low-budget payroll playersofor the better part really have now about a last 10-, 12-year run. They are outstanding with the starting pitching."

He acknowledged their offensive challenges, but sees a future star in Randy Arozarena:

"They don't have household names to hit. Randy Arozarena is probably the most entertaining player. A fantastic outfielder, he's got speed defensively. He's a lot of fun to watch. That's one of those guys. But their starting pitching is kind of going to carry this team right now."

After his electric World Baseball Classic performance, it is easy to understand the hype around Arozarena.

"RANDY AROZARENA BRINGS ONE BACK THIS MAN IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL," Jared Carrabis tweeted.

The Rays have mighty challengers standing in front of them, but they have faced them down in the past.

Can the Tampa Bay Rays win the American League East in 2023?

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins

Conventional thinking would say the race is between the Blue Jays or Yankees once again in 2023. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have their fair share of strengths and always manage to outperform expectations.

This YouTube video shows how they accomplished the feat in 2021.

It would only take a few things to go right for them to be at the top of the division. Upsets happen all the time in MLB, and the Tampa Bay Rays could easily go on another playoff run this year.