MLB Trade Deadline: 15 trades that need to happen

6. Justin Wilson to the Rays

If the Tampa Bay Rays are going to win a playoff series for the first time since 2008, the frontoffice needs to break from its typical strategy of hoarding prospects and cheap talent and make a blockbuster trade to guarantee that they capitalize on their lineup’s power surge this year. The Rays are second in the American League in home runs and slugging. Combine that with their strong starting pitching, and Tampa Bay is the leader in the clubhouse for the top Wild Card spot.

Tampa Bay has lingering questions about their bullpen as the trade deadline approaches. Brad Boxberger’s continued injury struggles have severely hampered the Rays bullpen. For the Tigers to maximize the value of their two best trade chips, they should look to package reliever Justin Wilson along with Martinez. Wilson has the swing-and-miss stuff that none of the Rays current relievers offer. He also has closing experience if Alex Colome continues to be unreliable.

The Rays are looking into multiple relievers, and they will get at least one. Wilson is having the best year of his career, and his stock appears to be trending upward as he continues to improve as a big leaguer. When push comes to shove, the Rays will make a trade for whichever reliever they feel offers them the most upside at the lowest cost. The trade market this year is oversaturated with quality middle relievers. That leaves the Rays in a very good position.