3 trade targets for Tampa Bay Rays
By David Hill
Lou Trivino
Absolutely nothing about Lou Trivino’s raw numbers would seemingly indicate that the Tampa Bay Rays, or any other team, should have any interest in him at the trade deadline.
In fact, it is fair to wonder if Trivino should even be in the majors at this point. He had posted a 9.20 ERA and a 2.045 WHiP in his 14.2 innings entering Saturday. Yes, he had struck out 23 batters, but that also came with eight walks and a complete inability to command his stuff in the zone.
But there is more to Trivino than the raw numbers indicate. Those struggles have been fueled by a ridiculous .488 batting average on balls in play against. His 3.61 FIP and Statcast page show that he has performed far better than the numbers would indicate, making him a potential bargain.
That also makes him the perfect piece for the Rays to target. Trivino is the definition of an underrated asset. Add in his previous experience as a closer and his remaining years of team control and he could be a valuable piece in the back of their bullpen. Maybe a change of scenery will be all it takes.
The Tampa Bay Rays could use another arm in the bullpen due to their spate of recent injuries. Lou Trivino could be an absolute bargain.