"It's hard to ever really know what the Rays are planning. Are they thinking two steps ahead, and this is all lining up for them to move three prospects to bring in an even better, more cost-controlled major leaguer than the ones they sent out? Did they look around the division and see the entire AL East* loading up, realize that they have absolutely no chance of competing in 2026, and therefore punt to 2027?"
"If they are of the mind that they don't have the horses to compete in 2026, then the next player to be on the move should be Yandy Diaz. Diaz is 34-years-old and has one year left on his deal, which pays him $12M but counts for $9 AAV against the competitive balance tax. Diaz would also have a conditional option that vests for 2027 at $13M if he tallies 500 plate appearances this upcoming season."
The Tampa Bay Rays executed two trades, sending Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh and trading Shane Baz to Baltimore while acquiring multiple prospects and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick. Tampa received Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito from Houston and four prospects from Baltimore. The moves reflect a willingness to make in-division deals and to move players with remaining team control. The transactions may indicate a shift toward retooling or payroll management. Yandy Díaz, age 34 with one year left on a $12M contract (counts $9M AAV) and a conditional 2027 vesting option, emerges as a likely trade candidate.
Read at Over the Monster
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