The Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Peña had another outstanding season in 2008. Despite missing 20 games due to an injury, in his second season with the Rays, Peña led the club with 31 home runs, 102 RBI, 242 total bases, and started 136 games. He ranked among the American League leaders in multiple categories: eleventh in home runs, tenth in RBI, fifth in walks (96), and second in strikeouts (166).

Peña won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, which is the first time a Ray has won the award. He was also honored as the recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the MVP player that has made many contributions in the community. Peña is a National co-chair of the PCF Home Run Challenge.

Joe Maddon was named the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays on November 15, 2005. Even though the Rays had one of the worst records in the 2007 MLB season, the Rays came back in 2008 and Maddon led the Rays to their first American League pennant and a berth in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Following the success in 2008, Maddon was awarded the American League Manager of the Year Award on November 12, 2008.