MLB Trade Rumors: One trade each team should make
By Jason Evans
Why the Rays should do it: The Tampa Bay Rays are in third place in the AL East, however, they are within striking distance of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. They have plenty of starting pitching and a lineup that has a ton of power thanks to the excellent year Logan Morrison is having along with Steven Souza and Corey Dickerson and the improvement of Chris Archer and a healthy Alex Cobb on the mound.
The one area they could use an upgrade in their relief corps. Outside of closer Alex Colome, there isn’t much there to help get the ball to him. Enter Neshek with his sub 1.00 ERA. Neshek won’t cost a lot of money and he also will be a free agent at the end of the season which is perfect for the Rays who don’t spend a ton on payroll.
Why the Phillies should do this deal: While Neshek isn’t Andrew Miller or Aroldis Chapman, he may be one of the best relievers in the trade market this season. The Phillies are not going anywhere this year and should look to deal some of their expiring contracts for assets moving forward.
In Yarborough they get someone who’s close to the major leagues and could even be someone they give a look to this year towards the end of the season as a starter. The Phillies don’t have a ton of top pitching prospects who are close to ready, so Yarborough can give them some more depth as they move forward.