MLB teams urged to 'hang up the phone' when Rays make trade proposal

That's why the Rays have stayed competitive despite having one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball. Many people were expecting Tampa Bay to be the fourth- or fifth-best team in the AL East, but it's four wins away from the World Series. How have the Rays built their roster? According to FanGraphs, just 18% of their roster is homegrown. Left fielder Chandler Simpson, shortstop Taylor Walls, and left-hander Ian Seymour were draft picks. First baseman Jonathan Aranda signed as an international free agent.