Exclusive: Tampa Bay Rays analyst JP Peterson breaks down what the team needs to have a successful 2023 season

The Tampa Bay Rays are one team in baseball that cannot be slept on. Their roster is never full of big-time names, yet every year they seem to perform above expectations.

They finished 2022 with an 86-76 record, scooping up the last Wild Card spot. The Rays were ultimately swept by the Cleveland Guardians in the Wild Card.

They're looking to put their early exit from the playoffs behind them and come out strong this season. It's going to be tough, competing in a powerful American League East division. Tampa Bay Rays analyst JP Peterson breaks down what the team needs and who needs to step up for this team to be successful in a Sportskeeda exclusive:

"They've added no hitters. They've publicly said they're trying to add a big left-handed hitter. They won't spend the money for anybody yet."

Peterson would like to see the team add another bat. He stated that they have been looking for a power-hitting left-handed bat, but haven't found it yet. They're not a team that throws a ton of money at players.

"Offense is a huge question mark. They're hitting pretty well in Spring but I don't know if that's going to carry over. They have a really soft schedule in April, so they should get off to a nice start."

The biggest question mark for this team this season is their offense. The Rays have a ton of capable bats, but they're missing that big power bat in the middle of their order.

"Wander Franco has to step up and play a full season - only played about half last year. One of the great young talents in the league, they compare him to Fernando Tatis Jr. He needs to be that guy."

Peterson added:

"They need Arozarena to pop. And he's shown some good signs of a little more maturity. He said he's going to play with more maturity in his game. If he can do what he's done, 35 steals and 20 home runs without reading the scouting report, imagine what he can do if he's reading the scouting report."

The Tampa Bay Rays need Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena to really step up this year. They'll be at the forefront of any success the team sees this season.

Which Tampa Bay Rays player needs to step it up the most in 2023?

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While this lineup does not have a ton of stars, they do have a capable roster. Arozarena has a legitimate shot at joining the 30-30 club this year. He finished the year with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases. Don't be surprised if he crushes those numbers.

He's going to have to step up this year and lead the team to have a shot in the AL East. If not, they might get lost in the shuffle behind the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles.

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