The Tampa Bay Rays are true contenders this season, but there are plenty of places to shore up the club at the trade deadline.
The Rays have been one of the best teams in the American League. They are getting by with good pitching and hitting from their young guys. Tampa is on the cusp of a Wild Card spot, so they need extra support for the dog days of summer. The club is the best pitching team in the AL, but rank 18th in all of baseball on offense. Their farm system has plenty of talent to draw from if the club wants to acquire a bat. The Rays will be reasonable in acquiring outside talent, as they are less likely to go all-in on one player.
Tampa has two pitchers on the Injured List at the moment, so bullpen reinforcements are the most likely option. The Rays have been bitten by the injury bug several times this year, and they have the opportunity to add talent. The club would be smart in acquiring durable pitchers without having to give up a huge return. They also could be in the market for a hitter at the right price.
The Rays are taking on the Boston Red Sox in this week’s series, and a series win will push them farther from the lurking Red Sox. This is an important series for both clubs as they are both vying for a Wild Card spot. The division race is not as close, with the New York Yankees holding a big lead. Here are the top five trades targets for the Rays as they work toward the postseason.