Top 5 trade targets for the Tampa Bay Rays

1. Kirby Yates

The Rays used to have Kirby Yates, but he wasn’t nearly as good. Now, Tampa should make a deal with the San Diego Padres to get him back. He comes with two years of control, so there will be a huge price for him. Yates would be the type to anchor the bullpen and close out games. He has been great this season, tossing a 1.05 ERA with 31 saves for San Diego. The Rays would be acquiring a top reliever for the long term and improving the club.

Tampa would have to give up a top prospect and one or two other intriguing prospects, but they have enough that the deal wouldn’t ruin their farm system. The club would be adding the arm that could out them over the top. Their bullpen would have more depth and reliability for the rest of the season. If the Rays made this move, they would be investing in the current team and beyond.

The Rays need to make a move before August no matter what. They are in the middle of a pennant race and are on the brink of a Wild Card spot. Tampa should be selective in deals, as well as balancing the cost vs. value. They have the pieces to go far in the playoffs, and they should add to their intriguing core.

This is also a club that can outbid other teams and add to their already top pitching talent. As always, the Rays could be in the market for a bat. Tampa has to weigh investing into the team now and mortgage the future, or play it safe. The club has the right braintrust to make the best moves. No matter the deal, the club will be a team to watch through the end of July.