MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Rays should make

3. Trade for Pat Neshek and Joaquin Benoit

One of the best rental relievers on the trade market this summer is Phillies All-Star Pat Neshek, and the Rays are among many teams interested in acquiring the 36-year-old sidewinder.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Saturday that the Phillies have done “heavy scouting of the Rays system” because Tampa Bay is so interested in Neshek and the “Rays have been souring [the] entire relief pitching market.”

Adding Neshek would be a coup for the Rays. Neshek has a miniscule 1.14 ERA and outstanding 2.01 FIP with 43 strikeouts and only five walks in 39.1 innings spread across 42 appearances. Having allowed just 28 hits, Neshek has a 0.839 WHIP, which would be his best since 2012. His 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings would be the best the veteran has posted since 2008.

In addition to Neshek, the Rays might be interested in other members of the Philadelphia bullpen. Closer Hector Neris, who has a 3.35 ERA and nine saves with 46 strikeouts in 43 innings, and middle reliever Luis Garcia, who has posted a 2.31 ERA across 34 appearances, are names to watch. But perhaps the best fit would be teammate Joaquin Benoit.

Though Benoit’s numbers don’t compare to Neshek’s on the surface, the 39-year-old right-hander has a long history of success, including an outstanding 2010 season with the Rays. This year, Benoit has a 4.19 ERA and 4.11 FIP with 38 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. Benoit has held opponents to just 29 hits in 41 appearances, and has allowed 16 walks. He was also nearly unhittable with the Blue Jays after a trade deadline deal last season.

Veteran Howie Kendrick could also be an option for depth at second base and left field.