MLB rumors: Could this be a potential Tampa Bay Rays trade chip?
Also from Morosi on Friday was a potential look-ahead to one of the main trade candidates for the Tampa Bay Rays if they make a deal at the MLB deadline.
Rays prospect Jonathan Aranda, 25, is the trade candidate we're not talking about enough.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2023
Aranda has a 1.048 OPS at Triple-A this season but has been limited to 36 career @MLB games because the Rays have established players at his primary positions (1B, 2B, 3B).@MLBNetwork
Thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness, it certainly appears that the Rays will go after pitching at the trade deadline, meaning that Aranda could potentially be dealt as one of the chips that would bring a starting pitcher to the Rays in time for the postseason push.
Aranda, however, has struggled in a small sample size as a member of the Rays, slashing .194/.265/.312 over 93 at-bats in 2022 and this season. In those 93 at-bats, he struck out 29 times, indicating it will take him some time to adjust to MLB pitching. Can a team be patient enough with what he has shown in the minors to make him part of the package in return from Tampa Bay? His versatility might make it easier to have the patience with him that could be required with his fresh start.