Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are similar to the Oakland A’s – a team known for frugality when it comes to players, but in postseason contention virtually every year.
Tampa Bay has already been through a bit of a carousel at short. Willy Adames, the Opening Day shortstop, was sent off to Milwaukee. Taylor Walls had a solid showing at Triple-A, leading to a call to the majors once Adames was traded, but he has not been much of an improvement with the bat.
Story would be the perfect addition for the Rays as they keep an eye towards their future. While Walls is likely just a placeholder for now, top prospect Wander Franco is getting closer to being major league ready. Story would not block his path for 2022, and would be a potential upgrade to their lineup as they look to hold on to a playoff berth.
The Rays also have the type of farm system that could drastically help the Colorado Rockies without making much of an impact. They have a minor league system that is stacked with young arms and position players, allowing them to make the type of blockbuster deal that could lead to Story heading to Tropicana Field.
The Tampa Bay Rays are not usually considered when it comes to the top trade targets. But in this case, they make perfect sense as a landing spot for Trevor Story.