Edwin Uceta

Uceta began his career as a journeyman reliever, but has carved out a high-leverage role ever since joining the Rays during the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old doesn't throw super hard (94 mph on average), but he boasts one of the better four-seam fastballs in the league, as his 38.7 percent whiff rate ranked second overall for that pitch type behind only Edwin Diaz. Combined with an effective changeup that also induced plenty of swing-and-miss, Uceta was one of five relief pitchers to record 100-plus strikeouts in 2025, finishing fifth with 103. He ranked second among relievers with 10 wins and tenth with a career-high 76.0 innings. Uceta overcame a rough first-half (5.53 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) to finish 2025 on a high note, recording a 1.78 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 50:10 K:BB over 35.1 innings after the All-Star break. He is expected to be part of a closer-by-committee for the Rays in 2026 along with Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger, who boast wider arsenals and more impressive skills. Read Past Outlooks