Coming into the 2026 MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays were flying under the radar as a team no one had very high expectations of; that is no longer the case. They have been the most pleasantly surprising team on the field . After completing their sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rays have now won 12 out of 13 games, separating themselves as one of the two best teams in the American League along with the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay is a half-game behind them in the AL East with a record of 24-12. The Rays also own a sweep over their division rivals already, as this scrappy squad looks like it will be in it for the long haul. This recent hot streak has finally had people taking notice and recognizing Tampa Bay for how well they have been performing. For the first time this season, they have broken into the top five of the MLB power rankings done over at ESPN . Rays moving up MLB power rankings with red-hot play May 6, 2026; St.…