Matt Joyce's move to St. Petersburg before the 2009 season was truly a homecoming. Growing up in Tampa with a single father, he attended Devil Rays games at Tropicana Field and admired Fred McGriff. When Detroit traded him to the Rays for pitcher Edwin Jackson, Joyce realized his dream of playing in Tampa—though his first year mostly involved waiting and improving his swing in Triple-A Durham.
His patience paid off when he secured a starting corner outfield spot in 2010, paving the way for a remarkable, career-best season in 2011. Becoming a dominant force in the first half, Joyce's smooth left-handed swing earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team. Throughout a tense postseason race, he anchored Kevin Cash's lineup, recording 128 hits, 32 doubles, and 19 home runs with a strong batting average of .277.
Although his batting average declined toward his career average over the following summers, Joyce continued to display impressive power and a disciplined eye at the plate. He consistently produced well in the middle of the order, especially against right-handed pitchers, hitting 17 and 18 home runs in 2012 and 2013 respectively. His ability to draw walks and hit deep, clutch drives made him a key figure during a competitive period for the Rays.
Recognizing the escalating cost of arbitration, the front office adhered to its signature blueprint, trading the veteran outfielder to the Los Angeles Angels prior to the 2015 season. As a Ray, Joyce played 633 games, with 484 hits, 75 home runs, and 262 RBIs. He posted a .250/.342/435 slash line and a 118 OPS+.
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