2:57pm: Alvarado is back in the United States, Toribio reports (via Twitter). The left-hander will get some work in at the Rays’ Single-A affiliate to ramp up in preparation for his return to the majors.
2:01pm: Before Edwin Encarnacion was dealt to the Yankees last night, the Rays were also in talks with the Mariners about the slugger, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports (Twitter link). As is so often the case for Tampa Bay, however, payroll was a factor, as the “Yankees were in better position to absorb” a larger portion of Encarnacion’s contract. Ironically, the Rays are already paying a chunk of Encarnacion’s $20MM salary for the 2019 season — as per the terms of the Rays/Mariners/Indians three-team deal in December, Tampa is covering $5MM of the money owed to Encarnacion.
Taking on more salary apparently wasn’t feasible for the Rays, especially given that Seattle is trying to cut as much payroll as possible. While checking in on a player of Encarnacion’s caliber, or checking with a rebuilding team like the Mariners, is just good due diligence for any team, the Rays’ interest could hint at the team’s intentions heading towards the trade deadline. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times hears from a club official that the Rays will be “in on everybody” leading up to July 31, leading to a wealth of interesting options given how much minor league talent Tampa has on offer, or how much the team is willing to even modestly expend its salary commitments.
For instance, Topkin cites former Ray and current Padres closer Kirby Yates as “a potential bullpen trade target.” We’ve already heard that San Diego would basically need to be blown away to move Yates, and that’s assuming they become deadline sellers at all given that the team is still alive in the NL wild card race. A pitcher like Yates fits the Rays’ model, however, as he is only owed around $1.4MM for the remainder of this season and is also arbitration-controlled through 2020.
The bullpen seems to be Tampa Bay’s “top need,” Topkin writes, though he also (more hypothetically) suggests that the Rays could even explore a blockbuster position player addition like Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. Needless to say, that type of a trade would be a longer shot, though it suggests just how open the Rays are to all options as they push to win the AL East.
In regards to the pen, the Rays should theoretically be in line for some internal help once Jose Alvarado returns from the restricted list. However, MLB.com’s Juan Toribio (Twitter link) reports that “there is still no timetable for” when Alvarado would potentially rejoin the club. The left-hander originally went on the family medical emergency list back on June 2, though since that leave period has a maximum of seven days, the Rays moved Alvarado to the restricted list a week later.
Details are scarce, which isn’t unusual given the personal nature of the situation, though the longer Alvarado is out, the more it could enhance Tampa’s need for relief help, particularly from the left side. Alvarado has a troubling 6.2 BB/9 this season, yet despite that shaky control, still has a 3.09 ERA and 12.3 K/9 over 23 1/3 innings this season.
God forbid the Rays have a payroll above 50 million
Lindor to the Rays cements their AL crown.
Think the Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, and Astros will have something to say about that!
*AL East crown. They still have to go through Houston.
I agree. They will meet Houston and beat them. It will be known as the “Curse of Morton” as Charlie dominates the Stros 3 times over 7 games. Bet on it! haha
By your logic Lindor=Stanton+Judge+serevino+EE+DB
Severino is of inconsequential. DB?
I assume it’s Betances, who’s also hurt.
How do you come to that conclusion?
It’s not hArd to see his logic there. The Yanks are tied w the Rays currently and all those guys have been on the shelf or not w NYY all year. The Rays have been missing Glasnow for awhile now also so you’d probably have to throw him on the other side of the equation. But lindor alone doesn’t make the Rays head and shoulders better than either the Yanks or the Stros. But a move like that could certainly get them an AL crown.
I’m not sure adding Lindor even makes them AL East favorites, much less pennant favorites.
They currently have the same team OPS+ as the Yankees, and the Yankees team pitching stats and metrics arent even in the same leagues as the Rays, but sure, keep underrating them because ESPN wants you to.
Yare you forgetting the Yankees are missing like half their team? Also, cool they have the same numbers in one category, your point? I also probably haven’t been on ESPN or watched it in weeks but sure make up things to make yourself feel better.
You’re absolutely insane if you don’t think Lindor would secure the east
Lindor moving anywhere would simply cement the AL Central if one doesn’t believe it’s over already. Too many variables to say with over 50% of the season remaining that ANY one trade could end the AL East race. New injuries, players returning, players getting hot or slumping, etc. just too early to make that prediction as bold as it is.
How are they getting Lindor?
Well they have the #1 prospect in baseball and easily have a top 3 farm system so if they want to get Lindor then they certainly can. Assuming lindor would even be available
If the Rays aren’t willing to spend they could still be alright given their loaded farm. No shortage of trade chips if they’d rather give up more talent than dollars. Though with their payroll at 62 MM and more revenue likely coming in from a playoff berth I can’t imagine how Sternberg wants to say that they don’t have the funds. That’s a joke. Don’t know how Lindor would even fit into their plans considering he’ll be making close to 17 Mm next year and more the year after.
The rays offered Kimbrel 15m+ they have money for players who are worth it. They obviously feel there are better players who will be available and be more worth the money
The Yankees only took on ~4MM of Encarnacion’s salary for this year’s books. Plus a 5 MM buyout for next year. If they seriously wanted a 1B/DH upgrade that’s not a heavy price to pay and the expense spans over a 2 season period. Now, I think the left side of the INF is where they really need an upgrade so perhaps you are right and they will spend there.
Yeah I agree that isn’t much to pay especially for an established bat like Edwin, but I don’t know how much of an upgrade they really saw him as. I think pitching is much more on their minds and I could see them making a big splash for a pitcher or two, especially a back of the bullpen guy.
They don’t need a back of the bullpen guy.
Over a 2 year period but the rays aren’t gonna pay 5mil for EE not to play for them
Then it’s 5 MM deferred off a 9 million dollar rest of season deal. I don’t care how you wanna look at it.They’re paying EE 5 mil not to play for them this year also. They probably aren’t looking for a 1B if that’s too rich. You get to the lower price points and the guys probably aren’t upgrades over Choi anymore.
EE’s salary- it’s also a small price to pay if you want to keep EE off your rivals roster
I think it’s time for the Rays to give up on the opener idea and use Stanek as a closer temporarily at least until Alvarado comes back.
A package for Lindor starts with Franco. Tribe have been playing better late too
Lindor and Bauer for Franco and McKay gets done
If you think the Rays will pay Bauer and Lindor close to 40MM next year I’d have to say you’re dead wrong.
Seriously. One thing that the Rays rarely do is trade top prospects because of the yrs of control. That’s what it’s all about…controlling talent. They pulled one over on the Pirates in the Archer deal.
The Pirates pulled one over on themselves, as usual.
They don’t have to keep him after this season, he’s ready-made to be flipped to someone the Rays will undoubtedly own in a trade for him.
So trade away your future for a chance to be maybe the 3rd best team in the AL? That’s why your not a GM.
Yeah this is far from the Time where the Rays make an all in move. This is the opening of what looks to be a pretty long window of contention.
Lol.
Heck no!
2 future cornerstones for 1+ years of 1 player?!
The Rays should stay away from the Indians more better players.
Why help the Indians out of their current situation?
No chance that gets done
Pass.
Thanks for the offer.
Enjoy the current stud of yours for 1 more year.
We will have ours a lot longer!
Maybe Soler to the Rays along with Diekman which both have controllability at an affordable price. I’m sure (actually positive) that Tampa could meet the prospect price (which shouldn’t be too terribly much) that KC would desire.
If the Rays don’t make a big trade this summer then they just officially are an absolute joke. Those players and the actual fans that come to that park deserve better.
Rays were willing to go the distance to sign Kimbrel but not for EE & his well-subsidized salary. Amazing.
Clearly their FO didn’t value EE for that price. Is it that hard to figure out?
If the Rays need a DH, Nicholas Castellanos is perfect.
This trade I could see happening since the Rays will have a few prospects they could give up that they can’t protect for the upcoming Rule 5 draft (like the Pham trade).
Again, there just isn’t any incentive for the Rays to expand their payroll. It will cost real dollars, and (even assuming it may increase local revenue, a questionable assumption) just cuts into their Revenue Sharing, which they’re almost completely depended upon.
It’s a bizarre situation, one that will likely be changed with the next CBA (where the RS guidelines will likely be changed). The only ones who REALLY want to see Sternberg increases his costs are the owners of other teams, to lessen their contributions to the RS pot. And again, that assumes increased payroll= increased competitiveness= increased local revenue.
The ONLY possibility is that MLB grabs Stuie by the neck and forces him to spend the money, or else they’ll Naomoli-him. They’ve done it before, not only in TB but in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, etc.
It’s still very likely that when the new CBA kicks in (perhaps before), Rays fans will have to learn to say “Comment-tallez vous?”.
Revenue sharing teams get at least $100 million per year between division of the national TV contract, pooling of local TV contracts, licensing, etc. PLUS the revenue sharing for being a “small market”.
Small market my a**. It’s welfare for billionaires. The Oakland A’s were finally cutoff from the welfare till. The Rays and Marlins should be too. They play in LARGE markets, they just have small fan bases because the owners tear down the teams every few years.
??
Actually a few years from their ’08 WS team their farm system went down the toilet in terms of talent. Took the Rays many years to get it where it is now. Rays will soon be getting more TV revenue & they are now offering flash sales with home games vs lesser teams to get fans in (make $$ on parking & concessions) the seats. They have about $25mil extra compared to last year payroll available. I am a season holder of the Rays. St Pete has not supported the Rays & that is the main reason. I have talked to a lot of fans that live outside of St Pete & even as far as Vero Beach that shows up.
I really hope MLB and the players union establish some sort of minimum payroll in the next CBA
??
Rays are being smart. They have about $25mil extra compared to previous seasons & in the end can put that away for extensions or to pay the higher arbitration salaries.
This is not Hockey where the revenue is a lot more evenly distributed.
Rays have some extra prospects to deal since they will have to protect about 5-7 for the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Those extra prospects can help them acquire 1 or 2 improvements to their current roster. McKay & Franco are definitely untouchable but I can see the rest being in play. Besides they could also deal 1 or 2 from their current 25 man roster. Lindor would be a great add but I have always been against helping the Indians “retool” their roster & helping them out of their current situation.
Lindor to the Rays talk is extremely premature, and – well, just downright off the wall. It will never happen.
I’m torn when it comes to this team. It’s nice to see them doing so well with much less resources than pretty much everyone, but I almost feel like they don’t deserve success because fans never show up and their owner is pathetically cheap. They rotate in and out so many young players and much more hit than miss, but I just wish they’d add a bit more to the roster to really make the next step.
What would a Yates plus Renfroe/Reyes deal look like for both sides?
I know SD would probably love Kiermaier to patrol CF and give them a LH bat to spread out all the righties in their lineup. However with $33 million attached to him still & not much money going the other way, he might not fit.
A guy that I follow on Twitter who scouts for Padre mentioned last week that a Tampa scout was at the AA Amarillo game the other night on a “special assignment”. The Sod Poodles currently have a handful of SD’s top 30 prospects- Baez, Morejon, Reed, Potts.
Hard to see any of them added to the above players in a deal unless that mean max value coming back the other way. From TB to SD.
Kiermaier for Renfroe is the only deal that makes any sense for two teams who both plan on being contenders in the next two seasons. Rays could shift Pham to CF and use renfroe at DH or in the corner. I don’t see how involving prospects does either team any good at this stage in the game. Or really how they even lineup because if I were TB I’m not sure I’d value Renfroe’s bat over Kiermaier’s glove.
As far as trading Yates, the padres could certainly do that but what are you going to get for him that helps you out? They don’t need more prospects. I bet they’d much rather have Hand over Mejia right now. I’d extend Yates if possible and keep him as my closer. The padres should be playoff contenders next season. You can’t perpetually rebuild and trade all your big league talent for more prospects. It’s time to go put a good team on the field.
Rays should just keep KK. This trade makes no sense for the Rays. The only thing the Padres would want is SP & McKay is untouchable on the Rays side.