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As the MLB season gets close to the trading deadline, it’s time for certain teams to decide whether they are going to be buyers or sellers. Now many broadcasters and experts think that the Tampa Bay Rays should be sellers. Currently, the Rays are in last place in the AL East and are a long way from the final wildcard spot. On local radio, some think that with all the players that Tampa Bay lost to injury will be back and the team could make a World Series run. It has been an up-and-down season up till this point for the Rays, for sure. Here might be the four players that could be traded and what Tampa needs in return.
Zac Eflin
Eflin has been thrown into the ace role because of the injuries to Shane McClanahan and more. He was brought in to be the number three pitcher in the rotation. Eflin has been on the injury list himself. Despite that, he has been the best pitcher on the staff. Teams that need pitchers down the stretch may come to the Tampa Bay Rays for Eflin’s services. If the Rays lose him, it would not be a big loss because of all the pitchers they will be getting back in 2025. His contract could be another reason for Tampa to trade him because he is one of the highest-paid players on the roster.

Randy Arozarena
Coming into spring training it was shown that Randy had gained muscle. Many wondered if his agent Scott Boras had him do that to try and earn more money. He is struggling at the plate. It looks like he does not want to be here. Every Friday night’s game they celebrate him with the special section in left field. Arozarena is a fan favorite. Boras does not have a good relationship with the Tampa Bay Rays. Unless he turns it around soon, his days in a Rays uniform could be numbered.

Brandon Lowe
Here is another player that has struggled. Lowe has had many injuries during his Tampa Bay Rays tenure. The biggest reason why you might see the Rays trade him is because of his large contract. Lowe has had some ups and downs since coming off the injured list recently. Ownership has come out and said the payroll is the highest it has ever been. This would help with that because Stu Sternberg said it must change. The Rays have infielders that could replace him. Many will say it is hard to replace his power, but Tampa has very little power now.

Yandy Diaz
Diaz has been the staple in the Tampa Bay Rays lineup for the last few years. The reason he might be on the trading block is because of his age. Diaz will be 33 and once again the Rays could be looking to go younger. If Diaz gets traded Tampa could move Issac Paredes to first and they could move Junior Caminero to third. With Taylor Walls back at shortstop, that would be an interesting infield. Many think out of the four he could be the last one to be moved.

This is what the Tampa Bay Rays need if they make some or all these trades. The one aspect the Rays have not had is a power-hitting outfielder. This is something that will help them score more runs. Tampa has one of the worst run differentials at -71. They are at the bottom of the league in that stat. The main position that has been questioned all season is catcher. Alex Jackson is hitting under .100 and he was brought here for defense. Jackson has struggled with that as well. Tampa has a catcher on their double AA affiliate the Montgomery Biscuits. Dominic Keegan could be the future catcher as he is hitting .287 and Ben Rortvedt could hold the position until Keegan is ready. The last position would be pitching but many will say the Rays have a bunch of pitchers. No team can ever have enough pitching.
Will the Tampa Bay Rays stay put and not make any trades or how many of these players could be traded? Leave a comment below.
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