
They're thriving in almost all phases of the game Peer a bit more deeply by using BaseRuns at FanGraphs, which projects a deserved record based on the fundamentals beneath runs scored and runs allowed, and the Rays and Rangers still come out as the best two teams in MLB. More impressive still, the Rays have authored such a body of work despite playing to date MLB's fourth-toughest schedule as measured by opponents' average winning percentage. As for the Rays, they have the game's second best run differential at plus-135, which puts their deserved record almost exactly in line with their actual mark. If anything, Bruce Bochy's squad has been unlucky thus far in 2023. That translates to an expected record of 44-17 versus Texas' actual record of 41-20. In fact, the Rangers boast an MLB-best run differential of plus-154. This speaks to the fact that both teams haven't overly benefitted from good fortune during their impressive starts to the season. Obviously, those paces are going to be difficult to maintain, but it's worth noting that the SportsLine Projection system at the moment tabs the Rays for 108 wins and Texas for 98. Right now, the Rays are on pace for a whopping 115 wins during the regular season, and the Rangers are on pace for 106 wins. The Rays and Rangers are backing up those sparkling records


To set the scene for this clash of powers and potential ALCS preview, we're here to let you know the essentials about what may be the signature series of the first half of the season.

This is of note right about now because these two early 2023 powerhouses will meet for the first time this season in a three-game series that gets underway Friday night at Tropicana Field in St. The best records in Major League Baseball belong to the Texas Rangers, leaders of the American League West, and the Tampa Bay Rays, leaders of the AL East.
