The Rays are in position to act like a contender at the deadline, and the message around them is pretty clear: they want impact.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Tampa Bay is expected to hunt for two specific upgrades - another big outfield bat and a front-line starter. Bowden said, “Don’t be surprised if they’re willing to trade one or two of their very best prospects to get it done. They’d love another big outfield bat or top-of-the-rotation starter,”
That kind of approach could put Theo Gillen, Brody Hopkins and Nathan Flewelling in play before the deadline. The report says the Rays do not have a prospect considered untouchable, which leaves them open to moving talent if the right deal is there.
It fits the moment. Tampa Bay has rebuilt its farm system well, and when a club has a real shot to chase a World Series, there’s no point sitting on the sidelines. The Rays have the kind of roster that can justify a bold swing.
A bat would make sense for a lineup that already leans on Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. That group can hold its own against anyone, but the offense after that has been uneven. An outfielder would be the cleanest fit, though the middle infield has also been light at the plate.
On the pitching side, the Rays have gotten strong work from Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan and Nick Martinez. Even so, another starter could still be on the wish list because innings limits are going to matter. McClanahan is back on the mound for the first time since August 2023, and the final two rotation spots belong to Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour, both of whom shifted from the bullpen into starting roles during the season.
Tampa Bay has also been linked to Tarik Skubal, and the idea of landing the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner would obviously change the picture fast. Putting him atop the rotation would give the Rays a way to line up with the elite staffs of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies, two teams that could stand in the way of a title run.
In Other News...
Rays Still Feel Snubbed As A Surprise No 2 Plan Emerges
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At the same time, the organization may be lining up for a major draft decision that could shape the next wave of talent. Analysts have begun linking Tampa Bay to high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the No. 2 pick, a move that would fit the Rays usual appetite for upside and long-term value, even as the draft board could force them to weigh a different path if the top of the board breaks a certain way. [Read more 🡒]
Rays Veteran Finally Got The Recognition Fans Knew He Deserved
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Now he gets to carry that momentum into one more outing before the break, with a Friday start against the Mariners set as his final tune-up before the All-Star Game. Around the Rays, the recognition feels overdue for a pitcher teammates and Kevin Cash have leaned on all season, even if the bigger question still lingers after the roster move that put him there. [Read more 🡒]
Drew Rasmussen Suddenly Needs This All-Star Break More Than Ever
Drew Rasmussens first half had already earned him an All-Star nod, and for much of June he looked every bit like one of the American Leagues most dependable starters. The Rays right-hander was coming off a month that brought him the AL Pitcher of the Month Award, a reminder of how quickly he had settled into a key role for Tampa Bays rotation alongside Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and Bryan Baker on the clubs All-Star list.
July has been a different story, though, with Rasmussen taking a couple of uncharacteristic hits in his last two starts and seeing his season numbers drift the wrong way. The break now arrives at a useful time for Tampa Bay, because it gives him a chance to reset physically and mentally before the second half puts him back in the middle of the Rays plans. [Read more 🡒]