From this, admittedly remote, distance, the Rays' 2019 outlook appears promising.

ESPN's David Schoenfield ranks the Rays No. 9 in his Way-Too-Early 2019 Power Rankings.

The World Series champion Red Sox are a surprising fourth on the list, which could change considerably before the start of next season, given the number of big-name players on the free-agent market.

The Astros, whom the Red Sox defeated in the ALCS, are No. 1.

The Yankees come in at No. 2. The Dodgers, who fell to the Red Sox in the World Series, are ranked No. 3. The Braves complete the top 5.

Here's what Schoenfield had to say about the Rays: