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Marc Topkin - Rays Reporter
Marc Topkin

Rays Reporter

If there's something in Tampa Bay Rays history you're interested in, there's a good chance I was there for it. First pitch, Wade Boggs' 3,000th hit, the 2008 ALCS clincher and World Series experience, Evan Longoria's Game 162 walkoff, the 2018 advent of the opener, and plenty more. That's the benefit of having covered the franchise from day one (actually even before) and for all 21 seasons, as well as other baseball matters locally and nationally since joining the Times in 1983 from Drake University. Obviously, I've enjoyed the ride and am happy to share the details with you on all platforms. I’ve also had the privilege of covering Super Bowls, Olympics and college bowl games, but, pssst, baseball has always been my first love.

  1. Rays trade Brandon Lowe to Pirates, send Shane Baz to Orioles
    • Rays
    Brandon Lowe rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Rangers in June in Tampa. The Rays traded the two-time All-Star second baseman to the Pirates Friday in a three-team deal.
  2. With Orioles and Jays buying, AL East looks like ‘a gauntlet’ for Rays
    • Rays
    Orioles_Alonso_Baseball_44215.jpg
  3. In giving back, Joe Maddon gives thanks for support at Thanksmas event
    • Rays
    Former Rays manager Joe Maddon addresses the crowd during his Thanksmas charity event Wednesday at the Ava restaurant in South Tampa.
  5. Rays, Shane McClanahan avoid arbitration with another $3.6 million deal
    • Rays
    Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan mingles with teammates ahead of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays in September in Tampa. He has not pitched since sustaining an elbow injury in August 2023.
  6. Rays finalize Steven Matz signing, DFA Tristan Peters to make room
    • Rays
    Overall in 2025, Steven Matz was 5-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 53 games working 76 2/3 innings. Also appealing was his low walk rate, just 3.6%, to go with a 19.1% strikeout rate.
  7. Rays post-meetings matters: Steven Matz, Ketel Marte, Brett Phillips
    • Rays
    Left-hander Steven Matz, shown pitching for the Cardinals in June in Milwaukee, comes to the Rays with a reputation as a great team guy willing to fill whatever role is needed.
  8. Having run out of time with Yoniel Curet, Rays trade him to Phillies
    • Rays
    Once-promising Rays pitching prospect Yoniel Curet, shown during a spring training game in February, was traded to the Phillies Wednesday for hard-throwing reliever Tommy McCollum, who could be invited to major-league spring camp.
  9. Amid Rays’ plan to add talent, a trade of Brandon Lowe remains an option
    • Rays
    Rays slugging second baseman Brandon Lowe’s name reportedly has been a popular topic in baseball circles, with numerous teams asking about him, given his (relatively) affordable contract situation.
  10. With their lucky charm, Rays move up via lottery to No. 2 pick in draft
    • Rays
    Brett Phillips delivers the hit, and a memorable celebration, for a walkoff win in Game 4 of the 2020 World Series.
  11. What are Rays getting in Steven Matz? ‘They’ve got a good one, again’
    • Rays
    Steven Matz was used as a reliever in 2025, posting a 5-2 record and 3.05 ERA over 53 games for the Cardinals and Red Sox
  12. Despite moves, key to Rays OF improvement may rest with Josh Lowe
    • Rays
    Josh Lowe reacts after getting hit by a pitch from the Mariners' George Kirby in September. The Rays are hoping the outfielder can get back to his 2023 form after two disappointing seasons.
  13. Appeals court voids ruling in Wander Franco case, orders new trial
    • Rays
    The Court of Appeals of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday voided the ruling that led to a two-year suspended prison sentence for Rays shortstop Wander Franco and ordered a new trial.
  14. Rays in agreement to sign veteran lefty pitcher Steven Matz
    • Rays
    The Rays are finalizing a deal with left-hander Steven Matz, who compiled a 5-2 record and 3.05 in 53 games with the Cardinals, pictured, and Red Sox last season.
  15. Rays star Junior Caminero gets wish to be part of Dominican WBC team
    • Rays
    Rays third baseman Junior Caminero will play for manager Albert Pujols and the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. “I saw it from Day 1; he’s just a superstar,” Pujols said Monday at baseball’s winter meetings.
  16. Rays officials say they are making progress on a new stadium for 2029
    • Rays
    Rays CEO Ken Babby, right, on the progress for finding a stadium site: “We are exploring sites. We are meeting with architects. We are meeting with public officials.”
  17. Tampa’s Gary Sheffield falls short again in latest bid for Hall of Fame
    • Rays
    Gary Sheffield, standing before a display commemorating his 500th home run, hit 509 homers, made nine All-Star teams and finished in the top 10 in league MVP voting six times during a 22-year major-league career.
  18. Trade B-Lowe? Sign Eflin? Even after OF moves, Rays have much to ponder
    • Rays
    The Rays, as always, are willing to answer calls and explore offers, but trading second baseman Brandon Lowe would create a void they can’t fill internally.
  19. Cedric Mullins, Rays had mutual respect, multiple reasons to team up
    • Rays
    The Rays on Saturday finalized a one-year, $7 million deal with former Mets and Orioles centerfielder Cedric Mullins, shown running the bases after hitting a triple against the Braves in August in Atlanta.
  20. Former Rays manager Joe Maddon to host Thanksmas event in Tampa
    • Rays
    Former Rays manager Joe Maddon will host a number of sports personalities at the upcoming Thanksmas event benefiting the Clearwater-based Homeless Empowerment Program.
  21. Rays have a deal to add former Orioles centerfielder Cedric Mullins
    • Rays
    Over his eight major-league seasons, Cedric Mullins has a a .246 average and .736 OPS.
  22. No, the new Tropicana Field roof isn’t going to look like a beach ball
    • Rays
    Work continues inside the dome looking toward home plate from the outfield during a city-run tour inside of Tropicana Field on Wednesday.
  23. Inside the repaired Trop, a field for Rays will soon be rebuilt
    • Rays
    A view looking toward the Tropicana Pure Premium sign that hangs along the rightfield foul post as work continues during a city-run tour inside Tropicana Field on Wednesday. The Rays’ home was damaged by Hurricane Milton in 2024 and rendered unplayable for the 2025 season.
  24. With Pete Fairbanks gone, Rays will return to closer-by-committee plan
    • Rays
    The Rays plan to split most of the high-leverage work between relievers Garrett Cleavinger (pictured), Griffin Jax and Edwin Uceta. "Cleav had the best season of his career," pitching coach Kyle Snyder says of 2025.