Looks like the Rays are hiring a bunch of new faces to help with their planned move

[SilverBull]

Rosenthal: The Rays are running a clinic on how to sell at the trade deadline

WWW.NYTIMES.COM

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After adding 14 prospects in six recent trades, the Rays likely aren't done yet.

 

[SilverBull]

ESPN update re Rays trade deadline outlook:

Yandy Diaz, 1B/Brandon Lowe, 2B/Pete Fairbanks, RHP/Shawn Armstrong, RHP/Colin Poche, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have already made seven trades -- Amed Rosario, Jason Adam, Zach Eflin, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Phil Maton and Aaron Civale -- and may not be done yet, as they look to continue one of the wildest trade periods one team has ever conducted. The five players we listed above could all still be traded, too. Their contract status:

• Armstrong: Free agent

• Lowe: $10.5 million club option for 2025 (and $11.5 million for 2026)

• Poche: Free agent after 2025

• Fairbanks: Signed through 2025 with club option for 2026

• Diaz: Signed for $10 million in 2025 with $12 million club option for 2026

 

Lowe is interesting as he has been hot of late, with a .970 OPS the past two months. He has been a terrible postseason performer (.115 average in 29 games) and is limited to second base or DH. It's not certain the Rays would pick up his option for 2025; if not, that could mean the cost won't be prohibitive and the option could be doable for some teams. Diaz also got off to a slow start, so his overall numbers don't look too impressive (.270/.326/.397), but last year's American League batting champ had an OBP over .400 in both 2022 and 2023. Fairbanks hasn't been as dominant as he has been in the past and his control has wobbled at times, but he's a swing-and-miss high-leverage reliever at his best.

Best fits: No shortage of options here. Buster Olney mentioned Diaz to the Texas Rangers as a possibility. Heck, he could fit the Houston Astros or Seattle Mariners, who both could use an upgrade at first base. The Royals are reportedly looking for a bat as well and could squeeze Lowe into a second-base/DH role. The Red Sox have the worst OPS in the majors at second base.