Tampa Bay Rays make expected move with Adeiny Hechavarria

In what had to be an expected move, the Tampa Bay Rays have designated Adeiny Hechavarria for assignment, opening playing time for Willy Adames.

The youth movement is in full swing for the Tampa Bay Rays. From the expected trade of Wilson Ramos, to the unexpected dealing of Chris Archer, the Rays have purged their payroll. After the trade deadline, the team had just over $10 million committed to the 2019 season, with the vast majority of that money going to Kevin Kiermaier.

Given that shift in payroll, and a desire to see the future of the Rays begin now, it was a matter of time before other players were on the move or let go. That purge continued on Wednesday as shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was designated for assignment.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

It was thought that the Rays were trying to trade Hechavarria prior to the deadline on Tuesday, but were unable to find a taker. That is not exactly a surprise, as the glove first shortstop had produced a .258/.289/.332 batting line in his 237 plate appearances. While that production was only slightly below his career norms, that may not have been the main reason why he could not be moved. Hechavarria was also not quite as valuable defensively, as he has posted the lowest range factor of his career and saved only four runs in 61 games. He was not the type of player that would be a difference maker with the glove on a contending team.

A free agent after the season, Hechavarria was not a part of the Rays future. In addition, his presence was blocking one of their top prospects in Willy Adames. While Adames .200/.256/.296 batting line in his 125 plate appearances, he was a consensus top 100 prospect for the last four seasons. Adames showed a bit of pop and speed during his time in the minors, enough to be an intriguing player for the Rays to build around.

The Tampa Bay Rays have taken a step towards the future by designating Adeiny Hechavarria for assignment. Meanwhile, the Willy Adames Era officially starts now.