MLB trade talk: 3 outfield options for Tampa Bay Rays after 2 big injuries

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash told the media after Monday’s loss to the New York Yankees that two outfielders would likely be heading to the IL: Kevin Kiermaier (hip) and Manuel Margot (knee).

The Rays outfield was already struggling a bit offensively so, coupled with the injuries, the Rays could look to the trade market to help out.

Here are three trade candidates for the Rays and their outfield.

MLB Trade Rumors: Could Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ go to the Tampa Bay Rays?

Ian Happ could help the Tampa Bay Rays in a few ways since he is so versatile.

Happ has only played left field and center field in 2022 but he has also played first, second, third, and right field in the majors before as well.

Entering Monday, Happ was hitting .284/.384/.459 with an OPS+ of 136, seven home runs, 31 RBI, and 13 doubles.

That 136 OPS+ would be tied with Margot for the second-highest on the team behind first baseman Ji-man Choi.

Unlike the other two outfielders on our list, Happ is not a free agent until after the 2023 season so the Rays would have more control with Happ. That would mean it would take more to get him, but considering that Kiermaier is a free agent (if the Rays don’t exercise their team option on him) for next year, Happ could essentially replace him in center field.

Former Tampa Bay Rays and current Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tommy Pham

The Tampa Bay Rays are very familiar with outfielder Tommy Pham as he played with them in 2018 and 2019.

In 2022, he has been with the Cincinnati Reds, he has hit .258/.358/.431 with an OPS+ of 111 in 58 games. He has nine home runs, 26 RBI, and an rWAR of 1.3.

Unlike Happ, Pham is a free agent at the end of this season.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi

Andrew Benintendi, who turns 28 in a few weeks, has been one of a few bright spots for the Kansas City Royals in 2022. However, with Benintendi being a free agent at the end of the season, he is almost certain to be traded before the August 2 trade deadline.

Benintendi entered Monday hitting .295/.358/.382 with an OPS+ of 112, or 12 percent above league average. Defensively, he really only plays left field but he is an above-average defender, so he could also help replace Kiermaier and Margot there as well since they are two of the best outfield defenders in the sport.

Like Pham, Benintendi is also a free agent after the 2022 season.