Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Now that three trade candidates have been identified, what could the Rays be looking for in return. Given their situation, the Rays are likely to be looking on other team’s top prospects, players that they can control for the next five or so years before sending them away to continue refreshing that pipeline of minor league talent.
1. Joc Pederson. Power hitting prospect? Check. Potential middle of the order impact bat to add to Evan Longoria and Wil Myers? Check. On a team that is rumored to be heavily interested in Price? Check. If David Price does end up going to the Dodgers, Pederson would be the type of player that the Rays would demand back in return. With the crowded outfield situation in Los Angeles and their desire to win immediately, the Rays may well get their player, in addition to other prospects in a package deal.
2. Carlos Martinez. The St. Louis Cardinals are another team that could be a contender for David Price as they gear up to make a run for the playoffs. While they have a top outfield prospect in Oscar Tavares, it may be Martinez who could intrigue the Rays more. A power arm with a fastball that can approach 98 MPH and a devastating slider, Martinez could be that next top of the rotation starter that the Rays seemingly churned out every year. If the Rays do trade their ace, Martinez could be the perfect start to a package of prospects.
3. Kyle Zimmer. Much like Martinez, Zimmer is expected to be a top of the rotation starter as he matures. However, there are injury concerns, especially as Zimmer has not thrown a pitch this season. With the Royals in need of a right fielder and Ben Zobrist possibly available, the Rays may well ask for another potential top of the rotation starter. As the Royals have not made the playoffs since they won the World Series in 1985, they may be willing to send along a top prospect if the Royals find themselves on the cusp of ending their postseason drought.