3 moves for the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason

By David Hill | Nov 17, 2021

Oct 8, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) and shortstop Wander Franco (5) come off the field at end of the third inning against the Boston Red Sox in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade Kevin Kiermaier

It is easier said than done when it comes to trading Kevin Kiermaier. Nonetheless, this is something that the Tampa Bay Rays need to make happen.

With a salary of just over $12 million for 2022, Kiermaier is easily the most expensive player on the roster. He also has not produced at the level that the Rays have hoped for over the past four years, posting an 88 OPS+ with 28 homers, 56 doubles, and 46 steals in his 366 games over that span. While injuries play a part in his disappointing performance, Kiermaier just never took that next step.

However, he is not entirely without value. Kiermaier is still stellar defensively, saving 48 runs in center over the past four years. Considering that he has missed 180 games in that time, he has saved that amount of runs in what is essentially less than three full seasons.

Trading Kiermaier is still going to be difficult due to his salary and a $2.5 million buyout of his option for next year. Chances are, the Rays would need to attach a top prospect to him in order to get out from under that contract. Considering the pipeline of talent in their farm system, that may not be an issue, especially considering how many teams need help in the outfield.

The Tampa Bay Rays need to move on from Kevin Kiermaier. They may be able to this offseason with the right addition to the package.

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