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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves Rays should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) loosens up on deck during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Rays defeated the Phillies, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) loosens up on deck during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Rays defeated the Phillies, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Logan Forsythe to Pittsburgh Pirates

Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe isn’t a free agent until after the 2017 season. However, it’s not likely that Tampa Bay will be able to hang on to Forsythe since he has put up impressive numbers at a position that tends to not provide offense. He ranks fifth in fWAR (5.9) among second baseman since the beginning of the 2015 season. Why not sell high on him and get more now than if they traded him in the offseason?

Trading Forsythe is more difficult than it sounds. Most contenders have a very good second baseman. The Baltimore Orioles have Jonathan Schoop, the Boston Red Sox have Dustin Pedroia, the Texas Rangers really like Rougned Odor, the New York Mets have Neil Walker, etc. There is, however, one contender that needs an upgrade at second base: the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Forsythe makes a lot of sense for the Pirates. He is an upgrade over Josh Harrison. With Forsythe in the everyday lineup, Harrison would move to a super utility role that he is well suited for. The Pirates have a lot of prospects that could tempt the Rays. Top prospect Josh Bell could be a target and would give Tampa Bay a potential four to five tool outfielder, something that they haven’t had for a little while.

Next: 3. Steve Pearce to Cleveland Indians

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