The Tampa Bay Rays enter the ALCS with the stronger regular-season resume at 98-64 and home-field advantage for the first two games at Tropicana Field, where they posted a 55-26 mark. Drew Rasmussen anchors Game 1 against Foster Griffin, giving Tampa Bay a clear edge in the opener following the Guardians’ exhausting five-game ALDS comeback against the White Sox that left Cleveland’s pitching staff taxed. The Rays also led the season series 5-1 and benefit from additional rest after dispatching the Yankees, while roster adjustments and confirmed injuries limit both clubs’ depth. These elements underpin market pricing that reflects the Rays’ favored status in the best-of-seven series.