MLB Trade Rumors: Rays Have Interest in Mariners’ Raul Ibanez and Kendrys Morales

Jul 13, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (8) hits the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Seattle Mariners may not want to let go of either Raul Ibanez and Kendrys Morales, but there are plenty of teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays that have shown some form of interest in both.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Rays have checked in on both players, and likely have a serious enough interest as we approach the deadline:

"Morales is nearly as hot, with three homers and a .367 average over seven games. Like Ibanez, Morales is a free agent after the year, and while the Mariners don’t seem eager to trade either player, by the end of the month reality may set in. The Rays are believed to have checked in about the Mariners’ hitters, with the Rangers and Yankees among contenders who make sense."

At some point Seattle is going to have to come to terms with the fact they are sellers at the deadline. It would also help to realize that doing so would potentially enable the franchise to improve over the next few years.

The Mariners are holding on to talent for no reason. Watch for the Rays to make an offer soon when Seattle comes to its senses.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL, NBA and MLB news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Home/MLB