Potential trade chips
Of all the names being circulated at the trade deadline, Jake Odorizzi may be the most interesting as it relates to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Miami Marlins in particular have been linked to the Rays righty, as they look to upgrade their rotation for a potential push for the postseason.
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Odoroizzi is not the type of player that the Rays would theoretically need to move. He is not due for arbitration until next year, and would not be a free agent until after the 2019 season. Yet, with the arms that could be returning to the Rays, Odorizzi may be the odd man out. A solid middle of the rotation starter, he may fetch a solid return from either the Marlins or another team that would have interest in beefing up their pitching staff with a cost controlled arm.
Another potential piece that the Rays could move would be Logan Forsythe. Like Odorizzi, he is not a player they would have to move, as he is signed through next year and has an $8.5 Million team option. Forsythe has been solid at second, producing a .301/.379/.497 batting line with five home runs and eleven doubles in 39 games, having missed time due to injury.
Forsythe is also the type of player that could be appealing for a team not in contention this year. Should a team have a hole at second, and an eye towards contending in 2017, Forsythe could be a perfect fit as a trade option. Having that year of control, and the team option, could make Forsythe a popular target as the end of July comes around.
Next: How the 2011 draft set the Rays back
The Tampa Bay Rays have drifted away from what made them successful during their heyday. However, with a couple of smart moves and the right players coming back, they could look towards contending again in another couple of years.