Well, strictly according to the rules accepted by every team since day 1, if the Red Sox make the POs they are legit player. Nevertheless, do we have chances once there if we still playing like this? certainly, no (even though once there you never know). Do the Rays could make a better paper once there, the signs say yes.
But the fact is that they would win less games than the Red Sox through 162 games, so... They wouldn't deserve it.
But I got your point, The rules and the way the divisions are conformed maybe are arguably unfair even all the teams someway already accepted since day 1. TB at this point seems that could make a better paper once there, and I would be agree as well. It ain't over yet, we'll see how we finish playing and performing.