Tampa Bay Rays: Finding the Rays next ace
By David Hill
The Tampa Bay Rays will need to find their next ace in the near future. Who will be ready to step up and take over that role?
When it comes to the Tampa Bay Rays, there is one universal truth – eventually, everyone leaves. Their salaries reach a point where the Rays can no longer afford their services, leading to their being traded elsewhere. Even franchise icon Evan Longoria suffered that same fate, being sent to the Giants last month.
Given the Rays financial situation, it is not a surprise that virtually everyone on the roster is considered to be available. Staff ace Chris Archer has been the subject of trade rumors throughout much of the offseason, even though one could make a case that he is being overvalued on the market. However, as a player under team control through 2021 if both options are picked up, he is far more than a one season rental.
Eventually, such a trade will happen. And when it does, the Rays will need to find that next ace to step into the spotlight. Just as Archer took over from David Price, who in turn took over for James Shields, someone will need to step up in Tampa Bay. But who will be that pitcher?
Let us take a look through the organization, and find the next Tampa Bay Rays ace.