Tampa Bay Rays trade infielder Jayson Nix to Philadelphia Phillies

Mar 12, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jayson Nix (16) throws the ball to first during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

After utility infielder Freddy Galvis was diagnosed with a staph infection (and later with MRSA), the Philadelphia Phillies were in the market for a versatile infield option, and they have reportedly acquired just that player by trading for Jayson Nix from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Phillies acquire Jayson Nix from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash and added him to the 40-man roster.
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 29, 2014

John Clark of CSN Philadelphia reports that the deal for Nix includes only cash heading back to Tampa Bay, and that makes it a win for the Phillies. The 31-year-old Nix has had a nice Spring at the plate in Tampa Bay, he plays quality defense at all three infield positions, and he also provides a little bit of speed on the base paths that Philly could sorely use.

Depending on what you think of the Jimmy Rollins situation, Nix will likely be relegated to a pure backup role, but with the age and health concerns in the Philadelphia infield, he could see some real playing time in a hurry. On the Tampa side, Nix wasn’t in their short term or long term plans, and the more money that the franchise can acquire, the better off they are.

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