MLB: Five Star Players Who Should Be Traded This Offseason
By Kit Anderson
- The Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays as a team seem to be stuck in neutral. They cannot take the next step to compete against a tough division slate or take a step back and rebuild their roster from the ground up. It is time for them to do the latter and begin to rebuild their franchise.
Since Joe Maddon left the team has taken a noticeable step back and has struggled to look anything even remotely close to a competing team. The Rays’ farm system has some talent but not enough to help bring them back to relevance. The team is going to need to get creative to bring themselves back and that means trading their star players.
Namely, Chris Archer and Evan Longoria should be moved. They are the Rays’ best players and the unquestioned faces of the franchise. This doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be traded, however.
Evan Longoria is a good offensive player who more than likely has his best seasons behind him, so it is time for the Rays to move on. Plenty of suitors would be willing to take on Longoria. His ability at the plate would get a good price and help begin to build up the Rays farm once again.
Chris Archer is the most popular trade chip that the Rays have. Pitching is a luxury that many teams will be in need of this offseason. The Rays could look to receive a deal comparable to what the Braves received for Shelby Miller last offseason (Dansby Swanson and Ender Inciarte). They could effectively brighten their future with one trade. While it could be painful for Rays fans to watch their best players leave, it would be a much needed rebuild, especially considering how little difference Archer and Longoria are really making at this point.