Winners and losers from MLB Trade Deadline

Loser: Tampa Bay Rays

Speaking of teams that could be in the World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays are currently leading the American League. Sitting at 24-11, the Rays had ties to all the big names on the market. They did… nothing. They do have the best record in the AL, which was already mentioned, and they have Brendan McKay and Charlie Morton returning from injury this week, but it just seemed like the right time for the Rays to finally make a “win-now” move.

Pieces were going for cheap at the deadline, with a lot of PTBLN in the return column. This is usually where the Rays make their living, taking chances on solid veterans that cost barely anything. Instead, the Rays decided to stay put.

The Rays actually ended up selling a player, trading Jose Martinez to the Chicago Cubs for two players to be named later.

Hunter Renfroe, Yoshi Tsutsugo, and Mike Zunino are struggling mightily at the plate, all falling below the Mendoza Line. There were multiple catchers on the move at or near the deadline. It would make a lot of sense to find someone who could bring the kind of impact that Travis d’Arnaud did last season. Zunino shouldn’t be their one and only option in the playoffs.

Only two regulars have a .600+ slugging percentage on the Rays. They could have used some power once the playoffs start. It’s great they are getting their arms back off the injured list, but the way they are hitting could get cold at the worst time. They could have used another bat in the worst way.