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The Tampa Bay Rays are on the verge of clinching a spot in the American League Championship Series, holding a commanding 2-0 advantage over the New York Yankees in the ALDS. One more win is all that separates them from the next round.
This season, the Rays stunned the baseball world by capturing the AL East title and finishing with the best record in the American League. Despite widespread predictions of a last-place finish, Tampa Bay proved the doubters wrong almost from Opening Day.
As the team surpassed expectations, several players enjoyed breakout campaigns. The starting rotation garnered significant attention, with Nick Martinez delivering a standout year. Meanwhile, the lineup received a boost from the emergence of Junior Caminero, whose performance elevated the offense to new heights.
While those areas were crucial, the Rays have always prioritized a strong bullpen. This year, Bryan Baker seized the closer role and evolved into one of the league's premier relievers.
Baker Proving Regular Season Was No Fluke
Tampa Bay acquired Baker from the Baltimore Orioles last year, and his 2025 season offered little indication of what was to come. Splitting time between the Orioles and Rays, he posted a 4-4 record, three saves, 19 holds, and a 4.04 ERA. Those numbers were respectable, but the 31-year-old has elevated his game to an entirely different level in 2026.
During the regular season, Baker amassed 41 saves and a 1.44 ERA. For the first time in his career, he achieved an ERA below 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00. With only 0.1 innings of playoff experience—coming in 2023 with Baltimore—Baker entered this October relatively untested.
Yet, through the first two games against the Yankees, he has picked up right where he left off. In two appearances, he has recorded two saves and has not allowed a single baserunner. Having a dominant closer is a significant advantage in the postseason, and Baker is demonstrating exactly why.
While the save in Game 2 was relatively low-stress, protecting a one-run lead in Game 1 carried substantial pressure. If Baker continues to perform at this level, Tampa Bay can feel confident about sealing victories in close games.
Nick Ziegler is an alumnus of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He has been working in sports media covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL for nearly a decade with various publications online. With his free time, Nick enjoys being at the Jersey Shore with his wife, daughter, and their golden retriever. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @NickZiegler20. He can also be reached via email at [email protected].