MLB rumors: Rays, A’s trade for Yunel Escobar unlikely

On Sunday afternoon the Oakland A’s won the waiver claim to Tampa Bay Ray’s shortstop Yunel Escobar and the two sides would have a 48-hour window to complete a trade.

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Such a deal is unlikely to happen though, at least according to the Tampa Bay Times who says the Rays are unlikely to make a deal with the Athletics for the infielder.

"Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar was claimed on waivers by the A’s, but a deal by the Tuesday deadline seems unlikely.All teams routinely put players on revocable waivers this time of year, but it’s rare for there to be a match between the posting and claiming teams. The Rays are believed to have several other players who have been claimed."

Yunel Escobar has been nothing short of awful this season for the Rays and given his contractual status (he was recently signed to a two-year extension), you’d think Tampa Bay would likely prefer to rid themselves of the $13 million dollars (at minimum) remaining on his deal through the 2016 season.

However, it seems as if the Rays would prefer to keep him at this point, making a deal unlikely.

If they so included, Tampa Bay could simply give Escobar away to the Oakland A’s without receiving any asset in return just to get out of his contract, but it appears that they’re looking for a mildly significant asset in return. Understandably, the Oakland A’s aren’t willing to give up much depth for the veteran.

Oakland is in need of a shortstop after Jed Lowrie suffered a fractured index finger.