[1] This approach saw the Rays set MLB single season records for most no decisions by starters (91)[2] and most wins by relievers (55).

On December 11, 2017, the Rays acquired Joey Wendle in a trade in exchange for a player to be named later.

One day later, the Rays traded minor leaguer Deion Tansel to the San Diego Padres for Ryan Schimpf.

[4] On December 20, 2017, the Rays traded longtime franchise player Evan Longoria to the San Francisco Giants for Denard Span, Christian Arroyo, and two other prospects.

[6] The next day, the Rays traded Corey Dickerson to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Daniel Hudson, minor leaguer Tristan Gray, and $1 million.