Four numbers that actually matter in Spring Training: Week Four
Mar 17, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ben Williamson (15) reaches first on a ground out to second rbi against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Last week we took a look at the improved catching group compared to 2025. With the roster set, it’s a good time to zoom out and evaluate the offense as a whole.
The position player group consists of: C: Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia INF: Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, Carson Williams, Junior Caminero, and Ben Williamson OF: Jonny DeLuca, Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, and Chandler Simpson UTIL: Richie Palacios and Ryan Vilade On paper, this group looks noticeably different from last year’s offense, and the early data from spring suggests those changes may be meaningful. 40. 0% is the zone minus out-of-zone swing rate for this position player group as we wrap up Spring Training.
This is an improvement from the 37. 4% the offense maintained last year when they were roughly average. The offense this season should collectively have more competitive ABs than the group did in 2025 as they’re now showing signs of above-average swing decisions as a group.
80. 9% is the contact rate this group of position players has shown this spring. The Rays offense was slightly below league average in this department last season with a 76.
4% contact rate, and early returns suggest they could trend towards being one of the better bat-to-ball teams in the league. The front office has quietly been stockpiling more contact-oriented hitters since last year’s trade deadline. This trend should lead to more balls in play and help maximize the value of the speed and athleticism throughout the roster.