The Tampa Bay Rays didn’t expect to find themselves at the bottom of the American League East standings at any point this season and they certainly didn’t expect to have the worst record in all of baseball.
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Alas, both are currently happening and the Rays, who’ve enjoyed so much success over the past few seasons look like a shell of their former self.
Even more concerning? The contract of ace pitcher David Price continues to loom as the Rays ace will become a free agent after next season, which has lead many to believe the Rays will at least entertain the thought of trading him this July.
That appears to be the case as Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe suggests the Rays will listen to offers, though, notes they are in no rush to trade him if they don’t receive an offer to their liking.
“You won’t get anyone in the Tampa Bay organization to say it’s time to trade Price, but you can bet they will be good listeners now that the draft has concluded. With their farm system floundering, Price is their one avenue to build it back up. They have to get at least three top players for him, and if they don’t they will likely pull back and listen again in the offseason.”
Price hasn’t been himself this season which could lower the price, a scary thought considering it’s an unknown if Price will re-sign with the team he is potentially traded to leaving more questions about just how much talent the Rays will receive in return.
The longer they wait however, the lower the price goes.