We are less than 10 days out from the MLB trade deadline, and the Rays are sure to be active. To discuss potential additions and debate which direction Erik Neander will head in, we are joined by special guest Brian Menendez, whose work has been found on this site as well as Baseball Prospectus.
They’ve already made one move, acquiring reliever Bryan Baker from Baltimore in an attempt to sure up a struggling pen, but that group will most likely see more incomings and outgoings. Brian breaks down what
the Rays like about Baker and how he fits into the pen.
The Rays also seem likely to trade from their starting pitching depth, with Zack Littell and Taj Bradley seeming like the clear candidates to be moved. Littell is in his last year of team control, while Bradley seems like a change-of-scenery candidate.
The other big name that has been mentioned by both national writers and those on the Rays beat is Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks has an option at the end of this season, one that was added when he signed an extension in 2023, and it’s an affordable one for a proven closer. If it turns into a sellers’ market once again for relievers, Fairbanks could be on the move.
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