Shohei Ohtani rumors: 5 monstrous trade packages to land Angels star
By Mark Powell
Shohei Ohtani rumors: Tampa Bay Rays trade package
Trading for a player like Shohei Ohtani is unusual for the Tampa Bay Rays, but stick with me. Tampa Bay has increased their interest in star players in recent years, even making an offer to Freddie Freeman in free agency. In an interview with Jim Bowden, Erik Neander made it clear that he has the full support of team ownership and didn’t rule out trading for Ohtani.
With that in mind, the Rays are in freefall. Tampa’s level of desperation is obvious, and a big move for Ohtani could be exactly what they need to right the ship. Now, the odds the Rays can keep a player like Ohtani around past this season remains to be seen. Ohtani prefers to be on the west coast, but playing for a contender in a quiet place like Tampa at least fulfill two of his free agency needs. Is it worth taking a shot?
If so, here is what a Rays trade package could look like.
In this trade, the Rays dig deep into their strong farm system to trade away four prospects, including Carson Williams who ranks in the top-20 per MLB Pipeline and plays a demanding shortstop position. Lowe offers some relief in the outfield and, at his best, is a solid slugger in right field.