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MLB rumors: 5 players Tampa Bay Rays needs to trade for

By Nick Villano

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: Willy Adames #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after a win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on May 23, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rays defeated the Indians 7-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: Willy Adames #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after a win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on May 23, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rays defeated the Indians 7-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

1. Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon is a very interesting name to watch as we get closer and closer to the trade deadline. He’s always seemed to be just off what we expected him to produce, ever since his rookie card was accidentally released by Topps in 2006, causing a craze. Now, he’s a player stuck in Kansas City Royals purgatory on the last year of his contract.

Alex Gordon currently has a $20 million salary, which would immediately make him the highest paid player on the Rays. That sounds strange for the team to make this move if they already have three capable starting outfielders. However, Gordon could slot in and the worst defensive outfielder could move to DH.

Gordon’s current OPS of .850 is the best he’s hit since 2011. He’s currently on pace for a career high in home runs (26 projected) and RBIs (109 projected). There was a time when Gordon was on pace to being an elite outfielder, but it looked like those days were long gone after five average-at-best seasons in a row.

Next. Clint Frazier May Be On The Way Out. dark

If Gordon could play like he did this season, he’d be a huge asset for the Rays. Not only that, but this asset also has playoff experience. He’s likely going to take a pay cut after his most recent contract, so if the Rays want to bring him back, he likely won’t command the $20 million he was making. Also, if the Rays did trade for him, they wouldn’t have to worry about draft pick compensation that’s hurting MLB Free Agency in general.

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