Fansided

MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

By Joshua Sadlock

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 29, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Alex Colome (37) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rays defeat the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Alex Colome (37) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rays defeat the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays: Alex Colome

The Rays have one of the smartest front offices in the league. They know their future hinges on an ability to draft, develop, and bring young talent to the big leagues. For that reason, the Rays have never been an organization to dip deep into the farm system for a blockbuster trade. Tampa Bay has excelled at extracting value from their MLB roster without weakening the current team too much.

All-Star closer Alex Colome has been a roller coaster ride at times this year for the Rays, but most of his numbers have been near or better than last season. Colome has the best WHIP of his career despite rising walk numbers and diminishing strikeout numbers. Opponents are batting only .162 against his cutter, which he is throwing almost exclusively this season.

The price of a closer rises exponentially at the trade deadline, and the Rays will not overplay their hand with this year’s ballclub. Tampa Bay has been right around .500 all season, but has not made a push more than three games above since the first week of the season. If they are in a similar position at the deadline, Colome may become available. He is not a free agent until 2021, which makes him an even more valuable commodity on the trade market. The Rays could also consider trading starter Matt Andriese, whose strong ERA does not match his FIP.

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