Tampa Bay Rays could blow past payroll limits at deadline

If the Tampa Bay Rays are known for anything in baseball, it is their ability to field a competitive roster despite a payroll that could be found in one’s couch cushions. They have routinely traded anyone making a respectable salary, replenishing their roster with prospects and low cost veterans. It is a formula that has worked over the years, and one that other payroll conscious teams have attempted to emulate.

But that could change at the trade deadline. The Rays have already added Nelson Cruz, and are still on the lookout for upgrades to their roster. As such, they have been linked to Max Scherzer, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Gibson.

Tampa Bay Rays could add surprising amount of salary at deadline

Adding any of that trio could be a major boost to the Rays’ chances. They are locked in a battle with the Red Sox for the AL East crown, with the loser of that race facing the Wild Card Game. The Rays would certainly bolster their chances with any of those additions.

But this also goes beyond their usual modus operandi. The Rays have been known to jettison anything that would push their payroll beyond the lowest tier in the majors. Any of that group would change their dynamic drastically.

In the case of Scherzer and Bryant, it would be a temporary spike. Both players are free agents after the season, and given how impressive the Rays’ farm system is, they may be able to get those teams to pay down a bit of salary in exchange for a better prospect.

Gibson, meanwhile, would be more than a rental. He is due another $7 million next season, and would be a solid fit in the middle of the Rays’ rotation. While it would be possible that they could look to flip Gibson themselves during the upcoming offseason, he would otherwise be a significant addition to their payroll.

In the end, flags fly forever. The Rays came agonizingly close to a championship in 2020, only to fall short as they were missing those pieces to carry the lineup. Improving an already strong rotation, and adding yet another stellar bat to the lineup could make the difference. A World Series title would improve that financial flexibility more than anything else.

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the mix for some of the top names on the trade block. They could very well blow past their usual payroll limitations.