When Sean Rodriguez was traded to St. Petersburg from the Los Angeles Angels before the 2010 season, the Rays aimed to strengthen overall field coverage rather than fill a particular position. Rodriguez quickly proved himself as a true utility player, smoothly moving across the dirt and grass to play second base, third base, shortstop, first base, and all three outfield positions.

His value stemmed from exceptional defensive instincts, evident during his 2010 debut. While he lacked a fixed position, Rodriguez ranked fifth in the American League with a 2.3 defensive bWAR, making the Rays' bench a high-leverage defensive resource. Managers Joe Maddon and Kevin Cash used him as a tactical safety net, confident they could place him anywhere on the field without compromising vital positioning or arm strength.

While his pure offensive output hovered below league average—marked by a low .228 batting average and a tendency to swing through premium velocity—Rodriguez routinely offset his offensive limits with timely, occasional power. He never once eclipsed 400 at-bats in a single summer, yet his durability and defensive baseline made him an indispensable fixture whom the organization kept around for five full seasons. His knack for drawing walks in high-stress spots and pinch-hitting in late-innings double-switches kept him continuously employed as a highly valued depth piece.

After 2014, the front office traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  With the Rays, he had 331 hits, 40 home runs, and 172 RBIs.

The nickname “Hellboy" suited the pitcher whose arrival in St. Petersburg seemed almost mystical. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 amateur draft, Jeremy Hellickson not only met the high expectations of the Rays' pitching development program but may have been its most refined early success story. He initially showcased his talent during a brief 2010 debut, securing all four of his decisions and offering a glimpse of his calm, changeup-oriented pitch style that would soon challenge American League hitters.

His rookie season in 2011 showcased controlled mastery. Unlike some young players who depend on sheer, uncontrolled speed, Hellickson pitched with veteran-like precision. He solidified the team's rotation, finishing with a 13–10 record and a remarkable 2.95 ERA. His performance earned him the American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, making him just the second Ray to receive this honor after Evan Longoria.

Hellickson’s role in the rotation remained pivotal through 2012, when he received a Gold Glove Award for his defensive skills on the mound—highlighting his high baseball IQ. Yet, in 2013, his command noticeably declined, and his ERA increased to 5.17, indicating a tough transition for the once-reliable ace. Injuries then impacted his 2014 season, restricting him to 13 starts, before the organization decided to move on, trading him to the Arizona Diamondbacks that offseason.

With the Rays, Hellickson made 97 appearances (94 starts). He compiled a 40–36 record with a 3.73 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP, logging 540.1 innings and registering 463 strikeouts.