Tampa Bay Rays: Three Underrated Trade Deadline Options
Tampa Bay Rays Trade Options
Nicholas Castellanos, OF/1B
A bit more power from the right-hand side of the plate could help any team, especially one that is struggling to find a regular first baseman. Overall, Nick Castellanos would likely be made to play the role of DH, however, some experience in the outfield and infield can help.
The Rays can build a more complete lineup with the Tigers right-hander, as he contributes to many categories including power and slugging percentage. A deep lineup is always a threat in the final months of the season and will become even more of one in the postseason. It will cause pitchers to provide extra labor to get their required amount of outs, thus Castellanos addition could benefit everyone else in the lineup.
He is on a contract year and is likely to cost very little when it comes down to the fact of the matter. He has not been himself this season, however, a putrid Detroit Tigers team could have more to do with that than anything. Being placed in contention with Tampa Bay will likely revitalize him for the remainder of the year.
Tampa Bay Rays Trade Options
Hunter Pence, OF
The resurgent outfielder is very similar to Castellanos in many ways. His deal is expiring, yet his production has been much more substantive in Texas this season. He has blasted 15 home runs and has an impressive OPS of .930, which would be a sizeable addition to a competitor in the Rays.
Rumors have persisted that the Rays and Rangers have engaged on the outfielder and a trade is very likely. Texas may take some time to hesitate because they are not quite as far back as the Tigers and may take some time to come up with the final decision on their standing.
That is the importance of engaging early, as Texas makes their final decision, they already have their suitor lined up and therefore a trade could come down very quickly. Hunter Pence could be a dynamic addition to the Tampa Bay lineup, offering a great approach at the plate and in the clubhouse.
His experience and motivational skills have been well noted throughout the Giants World Series runs. Therefore, the Rays could be making a serious move if they decide to pay the not so steep price in order to acquire a very beneficial piece.
Tampa Bay Rays Trade Options
Jake Diekman, RP
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The Rays final option is to add a player that would definitely provide a deeper bullpen for the final stretch of the regular season- as they persist for the final AL wild-card slot- and the eventual wild-card play-in game. Jake Diekman is an excellent option to retire tough left-handed opponents and makes that already deep bullpen, even more so.
They seem to be covered in terms of late-inning relievers, as Emilio Pagan, Jose Alvardo, and Diego Castillo have that role covered. However, some extra depth- especially left-handed depth- will do wonders for Kevin Cash and his in-game decisions. When it comes to a postseason game, it is vital to have an over-abundance of options to throw at one’s opponent.
The Rays would have an option for 2020, however, they are not tethered to the player, so in many ways, it is the best of both worlds for the front office. In a prospective trade like this, the Rays would have to give away something, yet nothing significant.
Kirby Yates to Boston?. dark. Next
All in all, the Rays will likely make a trade for an outfielder, as well as, a piece for bullpen depth. These are just some of the names that their intuitive front office will likely pursue, but they will all likely be deals of this nature.