With just over a week before the trade deadline, the Rays have made a big move in acquiring slugger Nelson Cruz from the Twins as part of a four-player swap. Cruz and minor league righty Calvin Faucher will head to Tampa, while Minnesota will pick up right-handers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman.
With the Twins in the midst of a nightmare season, Cruz became a natural trade chip, as the 41-year-old slugger can be a free agent this winter. Cruz re-signed with Minnesota last offseason on a one-year, $13MM contract, and Cruz has roughly $4.87MM remaining in owed salary.
There was no announcement made of cash considerations being involved, so it appears as though the Rays will be taking on all of Cruz’s remaining salary. This is no small matter for a Rays team that always has an eye on the budget, and even with Cruz now in the fold, the club’s payroll is still under the $67MM threshold. Tampa Bay can (and likely will) make other moves before the July 30 deadline that could move some other dollars off the books, but as it stands, the Cruz deal is a sign that Rays ownership is willing to stretch a bit financially to bolster a team that looks like a contender to return to the World Series.
Despite Cruz’s age and seeming lack of defensive value, his bat has remained so dangerous that even some National League teams were reportedly including him in trade considerations, with an eye towards deploying Cruz in the outfield for the first time since 2018. While the Rays’ penchant for roster maximization could lead to Cruz getting at least a bit of time in the outfield, it’s a very safe bet that he’ll slot in as Tampa’s new everyday DH, bringing some big-time pop to a lineup that is solid overall but middle-of-the-pack in terms of power.
Austin Meadows had received the bulk of Tampa’s DH at-bats, though Meadows now looks to move into the outfield mix with Randy Arozarena, Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Lowe, and (when he returns from the IL) Manuel Margot. Lowe can also be utilized at second base, and between any other injuries or even trades that might emerge, the Rays shouldn’t have much issue in finding enough playing time to keep everyone fresh and ready for another postseason push.
Cruz will suit up for the sixth different team over what has been a very impressive 17-year career. Named to his seventh All-Star team just this season, Cruz is showing no signs of slowing down, hitting .294/.370/.537 with 19 homers over 346 plate appearances in 2021. This production is actually a dropoff from the .308/.394/.626 slash line he posted over 735 PA for Minnesota in 2019-20, but “decline phase” doesn’t really seem like an applicable description.
Neither Ryan and Strotman are in the upper crust of Tampa prospects, though MLB Pipeline did have them solidly ranked (Ryan 10th, Strotman 17th) on their list of the Rays’ best minor league talents. Both are starting pitchers with solid performances at Triple-A this season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see their make their Major League debuts before 2021 is finished. Since the Twins are looking to return to contention next year, landing two big league-ready arms will help their rotation depth, considering Michael Pineda and J.A. Happ are both free agents this winter (and either could be moved before July 30.
Ryan is 25 years old and was a seventh-round pick for the Rays in the 2018 draft. He cracked Baseball America’s top 100 list (at 98th) prior to the 2020 season, and Ryan has continued his rise up the ladder by posting a 3.63 ERA over 57 innings at Triple-A Durham this year. At all levels, Ryan has been great at missing bats (36.65% strikeout rate over 217 minor league IP) and avoiding walks (6.05% walk rate), thanks in large part to an excellent four-seamer. MLB Pipeline’s scouting report isn’t as enamored with his other pitches, but Ryan’s slider did merit a 55 grade on their 20-80 scouting scale.
The 24-year-old Strotman was a fourth-rounder in the 2017 draft, though his pro career has been limited to 179 innings thanks to the canceled 2020 minor league season and a Tommy John surgery that kept him out of action for big chunks of the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. The Rays saw enough from Strotman that they added him to their 40-man roster last winter to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and Strotman has looked solid in posting a 3.39 ERA over 58 1/3 Triple-A innings this year. His walks have increased as he has moved up the minor league ladder, topping out at an unimpressive 13.15% walk rate at Triple-A this year. Pipeline notes that command has been a strength for Strotman in the past, however, and the right-hander’s fastball, cutter, and slider are all ranked as above-average to plus pitches.
Faucher is the other name in the deal, a 25-year-old righty who has struggled in his first taste of Double-A baseball, posting a 7.04 ERA with six homers and 24 walks in 30 2/3 innings this season. After consistently posting big strikeout numbers earlier in his minor league career and in college (at UC Irvine), the hard-throwing Faucher has continued that trend with a 27.63% strikeout rate amidst his difficulties this season.
ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan (Twitter link) was the first to report that the Rays were acquiring Cruz, while Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter links) was the first to report that it was a four-player deal also involving Strotman.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Gross
It is great if the Rays are able to acquire Cruz. The lineup is definitely going to get better.
Great writeup. But what is the significance of $67M threshold for Tampa? I’m confused
That they took on the whole salary, even though they typically don’t spend a lot. One of the main assumptions of why Cruz possibly wouldn’t land in Tampa was because they wouldn’t likely be expected to take on his whole remaining salary.
It is not a threshold. Completely misused the word
The two pitchers are ranked 45fv by fangraphs and that is not bad for a 41 yo rental but still very smart trade by the rays as those are older soon rule 5 eligible prospects and they were blocked in Tampa anyway.
Tampa is very smart in getting value out of guys nearing rule 5, they rarely get guys claimed for nothing.
Would have liked for the twins to add a bit of cash though to maybe get a little better prospect or another throw in.
What?! This is totally unexpected. Good for you Tampa!
People have literally been calling it for months
Ever heard of Sarcasm?
Have you? Because that wasn’t sarcasm.
They say an apparent sign of intelligence is being able to pick up on sarcasm.
I have some bad news for you…
It’s hard to pick up on sarcasm when reading a text message for some people.
@David
Months???
sarcasm, hopefully.
The N Cruz to Rays rumors have been going on for 3 seasons now lol
Stylish, he will be great down there
About time
ooh
He’s is a great fit for any A.L. team.
Except the Twins apparently.
He’s been great for the Twins; it’s that he’s on an expiring contract and they are absolutely not contending this year.
you didn’t catch that he was being facetious eh? hah
He signed a two year deal, no?
No. He’s a rental.
True that!
Hell yeah!!! #raysup
I like this move. Please get it done!! Next up, a starting pitcher.
I admit I was looking forward to seeing Ryan pitch this year, bummed we are losing him. But you are right–a right-handed starter, to be specific. Kinda hoped Berrios might come…
I was hoping the same. I’m thinking now maybe Gibson from Texas, Jon Gray from Rockies.
Don’t be surprised if the Rays trade for Kimbrel instead of a Starting Pitcher. Fairbanks and Castillo have been shaky at times this year. Nick Anderson is still a question mark and you don’t know how or if can be effective. Also the Rays gave up a good package for Cruz. the might indicate the market prices are High. Imagine what the price of a good Starting Pitcher would cost?
Not sure if Ryan & Strotman ever make Rays rotation. Glasnow & McClanahan & Patino & McKay & Yarbrough & Fleming & Baz & Chirinos & Wilcox & Goss & Honeywell . I agree Kimbrel would cost a lot I have seen it could cost a player like Xavier Edwards.. Rays farm system is loaded with pitching and middle infield prospects. Also Wander & Walls on team and Vidal will be back. Edwards could be expendable.
Seriously? An SP? For the freakin’ RAYS!?!
They could just let McClanahan cover more than 5 innings as a solid cap…
If you want an SP for the Rays, you might as well hire an entire new pitching analytics department, and that would be a HORRIBLE idea.
Watch: the rest of MLB’s pitching will hit a wall in the near future, and the Rays will just keep being the Rays.
(saying this as a disgusted Yankees fan, lol.)
Probably Morton unless the Braves win every game over the next week. It doesn’t help MLB apparently called the second game of the double header yesterday with the Braves down 5-4 with the top of the order coming up and no date set to make it up. Every game counts right now that game should’ve been finished yesterday. MLB needs to take the kiddie gloves off.
Dam yanks didn’t need him but this was one of the guys a package of Clint Frazier and Miguel andujar could have landed!
As a Yankees fan glad rays got him if it keeps the saux from winning the al east
Frazier / Andujar couldn’t have landed a long-retired Jose Cruz.
vtadave: I agree with your assessment. However Frazier/Andujar might be enough for Jose Cruz Jr.
Maybe a Hawaiian Cruz
Nah, Heity Cruz.
Joe Frazier and Joaquin Andujar maybe.
Maybe Cruz Bustamante
I’m sure Ted Cruz could suit up for them
He’s still in Cancun.
Ted cruz is too busy picking his seat
Let’s sing the next guest’s name, Cruuuuuuzzzz Bustamoooonte
Talking bout Cruuu uu Uzz Bustamonteeee.
This is a no nonsense show. I won’t take any crap from anybody!
Terry crews
It won’t, so sorry to disappoint you.
Idk the rays might be better as is it’s a one game difference! Let’s see if they add another pitcher and what Boston does
Another Yankees fool
If the Yanks were smart they’d offer:
Frazier, Andujar, Deivi, Seigler, Sikkema
for
Buxton
And the Twins would say, “Nah.”
@Noel1982- you can have this future gold glove winner. And where and when did the Rays get all this $ from? I think MLB should hold an investigation in regards to this. Oh this must be the $ they didn’t want to pay Charlie Morton?
Future gold glove winner? Who you can’t be taking about Clint Frazier? He’s more like a future Japanese league 4th outfielder if anything
Frazier would be a star in the NPB actually
Literally no one wants those guys. Let it go and stop overvaluing your terrible players. Yankees fans are the worst.
They are like the lakers fans of the nba and.cowboys fans of the nfl with absurd one sided trade proposals they absurdly think is fair ! Unfortunately for me I share fandom with the Yankees and lakers fans !
Not all of us. We’re not all dim, just the noisy ones.
I’ve seen some Yankee and Met nonsense on here but none from you. But I’m a Marlins fan wtf do I know.
It’s taking on life it’s become impossible who’s doing it to be serious , who’s doing it to troll and who’s doing it to mock Yankees fans lol , I’m a Yankees fan but I wouldn’t mock another teams fanbase if I couldn’t mock my own first
No one is wants a package of Andujar and Frazier!
Boomstick!
Good for the Rays. Last year all they lacked was 1 or 2 big bats.
They could add veteran 3B. Kris Bryant maybe? He’s a rental and they’re flush with prospects so they could part with some in a quantity package with 1 or 2 quality prospects.
It’s almost odd to call KB a veteran but he really is now isnt he…
He’ll be 30 next year.
No. Starting pitcher, right-handed. We have plenty of guys to play third.
Yankees that much closer to missing meaningful baseball in October.
Watch Greg Allen turn you into a believer.
That’s a very good pick up, perfect dh for them
wow,good for Tampa for going out and adding a big piece to the team.
I agree, it’s great to see. I think the Rays realize at this point that with their current team and farm system, they are going to be very good for a long time, even with a limited payroll. They are already more well built for the future than any other team, so why not make some win-now moves too? I’d like to see them add a few more pieces and make an aggressive run this season.
Will be interesting to see the price in terms of prospects on this, as there were several teams in the hunt, and Cruz is about as close as you can come to great veteran presence with little doubt about his productivity.
Cruz is terrific albeit he’s only an AL guy at this point due to the DH slot. Curious if that hurts his value some.
That’s a pretty terrifying bat to add to that Tampa lineup.
Just what they need for the Stretch Run….
Maybe trade for tom brady. Relief specialist
I think he’s still property of the Expos.
Cruz to the Rays almost (and probably should have) happened a couple of years ago, but the Rays were unwilling to pay up ultimately, and ended up with Avisail Garcia instead. I remember being frustrated with the Rays for not just paying up for him, as I felt like he was exactly what they were missing – that middle of the order force. I know they wanted him though, and it looks like they are finally getting their guy… better late than never.
Garcia had his best year in Tampa OPS+ wise and 2nd best in WAR.
I’m not saying Garcia wasn’t serviceable that season, he was quite decent for them. But let’s be honest – over the past five seasons, who would you have rather had as your DH between Cruz and Garcia? I don’t think there is much of an argument to be had there. Garcia is a solid, if slightly under appreciated player. But Nelson Cruz is an elite hitter, has been for a long time, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Nice solid move. The runs are going to really pile up now.
Gives them a legit cleanup hitter.
One of the best dudes in baseball. Loved everywhere he goes. I was hoping for a reunion in Seattle.
Nice addition…as a Tigs fan, glad to see him out of division.
Glad to see him go too. He destroyed Tiger pitching. When he was with Texas in 2011, he hit 6 hr’s and drove in 15 rbi’s when the Rangers eliminated Detroit in the playoffs. He’s one of the most feared hitters in the game, even at 41 years old. Dude is amazing.
I know it’s not quite the same thing, but the Rays and Tigers still have 7 games to play this season. You’ll get a few more chances to watch him smack the ball around.
Lol
As a Royals fan I am so glad to see Nelson Cruz traded. maybe that means the Royals might have a chance for a couple more wins against the twins this season. I’m also glad we are done with the Rays this year as well.
If Nelson Cruz is in Tampa and no one is there to see it does it make a sound?
It does because Nelson is there to hear it.
Oh, a post about low attendance in St Pete’s. How creative!
I mean… the guy IS “The Boomstick,” so probably, yeah, people are gonna hear it, but will they be willing to listen to the Boom over all those freakin’ cowbells? I wouldn’t..
But players, take notice: Adames has become a GREAT player outside of the Trop. Pham did too… Tampa fans, I know you’re already doing your best not to show up, but The Rays need a new park, and no one should support the current one.
If they need to leave town, that’s better for baseball, because the Trop is disgusting and doesn’t get the leeway the A’s get because History.
Did you think this up all by yourself?
They could use him in Tampa Bay. He can show all the retirees his anti against secrets.
Thankful he didn’t end up in Oakland.
So, does Austin Meadows move to an OF spot? Does Brett “Very Punchable Face” Phillips finally get demoted? Cruz can only DH and Meadows has been pretty productive.
I can’t see 41 years old Cruz playing the outfield on that parking lot with a dome. Meadows will have to play the OF.
Meadows is actually a pretty solid defender. With Margot, Kiermaeir, and Brett Phillips though the Rays usually like to blanket the outfield.
you seriously think the Rays aren’t going to do everything they possibly can to offload Kiermaier?
Cruz will be strictly a DH. I don’t think he has ever played 1st base either that I recall.
“Very punchable face”???
Odd take on a guy that truly enjoys playing the game and is always smiling
Someone with an 83 OPS+ shouldn’t be having any fun. They should be in AAA. Dalton Kelly or Josh Lowe should be getting ABs instead of that clown.
Have you even seen Jeff McNeil
No, but I saw what appeared to be a racoon in the Mets dugout…..
Pretty sure Phillips is out of options, and right this minute he’s arguably better than Keirmaier.
OF becomes a rotation for now, but something’s gotta give when Margot comes back. They’ll find a way to package KK out of town so it doesn’t look like they’re just releasing him.
There are times to add that finishing touch and this is one of them. Good luck to the Rays. Fun team to watch.
Good keep him away from White Sox pitching!!!!
Except that the Sox are done with the Twinkies and face…Tampa in the stretch (and presumably the playoffs)
Rays need to add a starter as well ! If braves give up ( and they should ) Charlie Morton back to Tampa bay for a lottery ticket and some party favors seems like the most obvious deal since the most obvious deal just happened
Zero reason for the Braves to give up.
Zero? Losing Acuna, Ozuna and like seven catchers is a bit higher than zero.
@applachian Thanks for the laugh. Braves couldnt do it last year with Acuna, Ozuna, and a much more effective pen, but should try this year without any of those? Just sell and get ready for 2022
The Braves are in a winnable division. Plus if this year has taught us anything, you never know who may go down to injury.
Acuna is a big loss, but the team is not absent talent, and there are games yet to play. The quitter talk is crazy to me.
Who cares about winning the division? We’ll lose to SD or LA and get a worse draft pick for it.
Bad take. Not saying they should sell everything, but moving Morton could improve them and they’re not going to rise through the ranks this year.
Good for the Tampa Bay Rays. From afar, they sure seem like a squared away franchise that is always well stocked in young talent.
A very competent franchise that sure knows how to scout and find absolute studs. You can’t help but root for the Rays..
Now come on Farhan Zaidi, go get Kris Bryant and Craig Krimbel!
Yes, you can help but root for the Rays, unless you’re an NL or small market team.
Worst kept secret this trade deadline.
Good. Rays need an electric bat. Fits the bill.
Rays’ broadcasters just announced it is a done deal.
This probably gets the trade market going. Mariners, A’s and other wild card contenders might feel the need to act quick because Cruz makes the Rays much better
Hip hip hoo-RAY!!!!!!
Like it both ways. Strotman/Ryan (headed to the Olympics) are very solid prospects; but the Rays REALLY need Cruz.
Yep. Win win. Really big win for rays. What a bat to add. Like you said, solid prospects. Not elite. Interesting but I wouldn’t expect them to be anything but mid to back starters. Makes room on 40 man end of season. But 13 years of potential starting pitching for 2 months? Sounds good to me. And if they amount to anything they can be traded for more prospects in 5 or 6 years.
I mean, as always, TINSTAAPP.
I wonder if the Twins getting a pitcher so close to the majors in Ryan is a precursor to a Berrios trade?
Probably not, but it’s possible. Twins have 3 near ready SP already and a team can never have too much pitching.
I still can’t understand why the Twins would trade Berrios now if they expect to compete over the next two years. I’d say they’re adding , not subtracting, for next year.
In 1989 the Minnesota Twins traded Frank Viola to the Mets. The players the Twins received directly resulted in helping the Twins win the 1991 World Series. I say trade Berrios and get a boat load of pitching.
Doubtful. The Twins have veterans Michael Pineda and J.A. Happ becoming free agents at the end of he season, and would like to move both. Pineda should draw some serious trade interest. Two of the Twins’ ‘MLB Ready” pitching prospects are on the 60 day DL, and the third is struggling at AAA with a 7.27 ERA and been moved to the AAA pen. Ryan and Strotman should get good auditions with the Twins this fall, and may have a chance, along with Berrios and Maeda, to be part of the 2022 rotation.
I love how everyone thinks the rays are so poor and thats why they do things. They simply couldn’t afford Snell any longer. Had nothing to do with him declining.
Sarcasm?
If glassnow never cheated the rays could be getting ready to go to back to back WS. They obviously could still but that was a big injury.
Rays whitesoxs and redsoxs are my 3 picks
Gloop has been a fact the has been ignored by everyone for DECADES.
It may have been against “the rules” but so were steroids in the 80’/90’s.
Most pitchers were using SOMETHING, even if it was just sunscreen. until June 2021. It’s far from “cheating.”
That’s like saying people on a highway driving 69 in a 65mph zone are “speeding.”
Nice haul for Twins.
Other A.L. Teams like White Sox need to respond, because Cruz can carry an offense when hot.
dude.
This is a good move for the Rays. Now I’m gonna need the Yankees to go get Gallo
That’s a solid addition for the Rays. No need to panic, but the Sox definitely now need to bolster their pitching (starter or bullpen) and also await Sale Day
Good acquisition, he’s good against the white Sox and the rays will need all the help they can get in the Al championship
Stretch a bit financially
Great pickup!
Love it!!
The only downside for the Rays is that now they have to put Meadows in the OF, which isn’t pretty. But Boomstick makes up for it.
Meadows is far from terrible in the outfield. He covers decent ground and is at a minimum average in the field.
Love it!! Great move by Trampa Bay!
I wasn’t sure what the return would be due to Cruz’s age. Glad to see age didn’t seem to impact the return. Cruz is a great bat and clubhouse guy. I loved watching him these past few years. I hope the Rays win it all for him.
“Experts” saying teams won’t get great prospects from teams wanting a rental but twins get a 10 &17 th prospect for a 41 year old . Let the games begin
The Rays have a 40 man roster crunch coming up. They can afford to overpay a bit
And the Twins, with the worst pitching staff in baseball, were happy to oblige. Good trade for both teams I think.
For an All-Star. Nobody cares about the age of a rental, age only matters for controllable acquisitions.
Funny rays AA right hand pitchers Tommy Romero and Tobias Myers crushed it recently (Myers relieved with 12k’s and a perfect game in the 6th) and they trade AAA righties for Cruz. Still need to trim the 40 man. 11 injured players need a fall home.
I said it would take Joe Ryan but crap not Strotman too….that dude is a stud receiver.
Really liked Joe Ryan & Strotman, tough pills to swallow especially for a rental, but Nelly is going to add some much needed pop to our offense. At least we get a prospect in the deal and we have Baz, McKay, Honeywell only getting healthier. Now to add a competent starter to put the Hammer Dahnnnn down the stretch!
I don’t think going over $67 million should be called a financial stretch
On another note, if adding Cruz moves Meadows to the outfield, it may open the door for another trade to bring back some prospects or a frontline starter. Bunch of teams in need of outfield help. I would absolutely hate to see KK go, he’s our face of the franchise, but we have Phillips & Margot to man center, Arozarena, Lowe, Meadows, Brujan to man the corners… Adding Cruz tells me the Rays are all in for this season and ready to do some crazy things.
Your not moving KK unless you pay down just about all of his ’21 AND ’22 salaries. Can’t see them doing that.
Good deal for both teams
Nelson Cruz is the man
The Rays probably will find a way to make Faucher the biggest get of this trade.
25 years old, still in AA, more hits allowed than innings pitched, average K and BB ratios……doesn’t look like much.
But again, these ARE the Rays.
For a rental this is a strong return not great but strong ! So few team realist about their lack of chances is gonna have this being a sellers market I predict! Closer to 2015 rental prices then the last few years like jd to the dbacks for three guys who where never even projected to make the major leagues and salary relief
It was just a buyers market for OF that year. This year, with all the injuries, pretty sure there is demand at all positions.
Twins got a steal by getting Joe Ryan. That guy is so underrated in my opinion. Drew Strotman can still end up being a nice back-end starter for them as well.
Only if he caught that ball during the World Series…
I appreciated his play in RF in Game Six of the 2011 World Series.
It’s so strange to see this guy always getting so much praise, especially for his age and how good he still is. Does everyone forget he was popped for PEDs? Yall crucify other MLB players who were caught, yet this guy gets a pass for whatever reason and act like he probably isnt still on PEDs.
Players getting popped are then tested regularly. In spite of this, you really think he still uses?
Yes I do.
Because once a user, always a user, right circaflex? Is your profession police officer because that attitude would fit in perfectly on the force.
he stopped using and is defying the laws of time. yeah, that makes sense.
Any of the writers or developers reading this? I no longer get any notifications from this app sadly
I’ve had this happen to me before. I just deleted the app and redownloaded it and it fixed it. If that doesn’t work, I have no clue.
Thanks I’ll try that
It worked! Thanks a lot.
Hey David — if you’re still having issues, fill out the contact form on the web site and send in what type of phone, what OS version, etc. you’re using and I’ll make sure to pass it on to the development team.
But yeah, as 2012orioles said, sometimes that issue can be resolved by reinstalling.
Thanks for bringing it up!
Ye the Twins are planning of being Competitive again next year… of course we have heard that for near 30 years.. when are they going to add the phrase ” we aren’t here to try we are here to win”.. to the lexicon?
Brilliant move by the Rays, bringing a talented bat Ana a widely respected leader. How good are the prospects TB gave Minnesota?
Pretty good. Both are having very solid seasons in triple-A this year. Any pitchers among the Rays’ top 30 prospects are bound to be good. Will definitely be part of Minnesota’s pitching staff for years to come. Great trade for both sides imo
This is a great move for the Rays.
Weak Minn lineup now a joke
We have been a joke most of the year. Where have you been? Ar least this trade might help our awful pitching staff.
Once Donaldson is dealt, what do they have left?
Really solid pickup. Twinks are gonna blow balls.
I see what you did there…
Cruz missiles in Tampa
Glad the Rays finally got Cruz. They have needed a power RH bat for years. I hope it works out for them and he can stay healthy + produce.
If Glasnow is healthy for the playoffs, the Rays have a shot of finally winning their first WS.
Glasnow in the postseason. Hmmm.
Good for the rays, they were my choice for the al east over my Jays and all they needed was some offence.
Damn who was it who said the rays were gonna be terrible and yanks would run away with the east?
Shout out to @yanks4life man that was a gem
Wow. Big pickup for the Rays
HUGE ADDITION
This is the Ray’s equivalent of “backing up the Brinks truck”.
Ugh hate the Rays but this is really good for them. Boomstick is still doing his thing… 65 HR from 500. Career OPS+ over 130. Some decent lines… Can he keep it up and sneak in the the hall? That should be a fun watch.
Awwwwww crap….
Rays are the best organization in the MLB right now and have been for some time IMO. This lineup is scary, watch them make the WS again this year without Snell, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if the pitcher they also acquired because a decent major leaguer
Great pickup for the Rays, obviously. Seemed like a good return for the Twins as well, two pretty good AAA pitchers.
Makes the Rays much better certainly. All the more reason for the White Sox to get a quality right handed reliever.
Brilliant.
Since we are throwing out crazy Yankees fans trade proposals, here are mine:
Fraizer straight up for Nolan Ryan in his prime (using a time machine to get him) and 2 billion dollars.
Anjuhar and the shoes of Greg Byrd for a young Will Clark (man that time machine is awesome)
A bag of beans for Kershaw.
I feel I didn’t go as crazy as most Yankee fans but its out there.
So pathetic that you closed comments on the Indians name change post. Oops, sorry I said Indians I guess you’ll remove this comment and maybe cancel me from your website. How about they rename the Cleveland franchise the social justice warriors or the woke warriors. But maybe warriors is too offensive, so how about the Cleveland Wokies or maybe the Cleveland Soy Boys, or my most favorite the Cleveland Progressives (they play in progressive field) and it fits the new culture of sports
I’m still holding out hope for the River Fires. It could make for some hot merch sales.
Sorry you’re so angry.
@DTJB Not angry, disgusted
PHD — It’s offensive. It’s insensitive. And it is racist. I don’t care if your grandmother was part Cherokee. The logo and name needed to change.
@parody, that’s your opinion, and you know what they say about opinions. The MLB wholeness will ruin the sport and help continue the downward trajectory of this country. That’s my opinion, but you will ultimately feel the ruin of America, too, but it will be too late before you wake up
@Begone Spenglerd (parody) Why do you change your username and have conversations with yourself Tipsy McStagger aka trillaryhump16 aka AustinKearnsIsNotGod?
They closed it because of how volatile the comment sections can get. You’re unhappy about their decision? Nobody said you had to stay.
Really smart guy? Why are there now 2 open threads on this topic, maybe me calling them out helped open it up. Now you can comment on the topic or ignore the back and forth. And if you don’t like those threads, “nobody said you had to stay”
Carlson is that you? I thought you had a BA not a PHD. Interesting you feel the need to pretend to have a Phd on a sports related site. Insecure much ?
@Marko, who is Carlson? I’m very proud of my degrees, what do you have to be proud of?
Degrees from Liberty or Trump U? No way you could possibly be proud of degrees obtained from liberal indoctrination factories, right?
@rays Dumb comment. One can be proud of one’s accomplishments even amongst a sea of SJWs. Also, my schools aren’t quite as insane as Vassar or Berkeley. I also went to school back when Marxists were still wearing elbow patches and were laughed at for their stupid ideas. Safe spaces weren’t ‘invented’ yet
Finally,the first big move.
This article reminded me of just how important it is for baseball to establish a salary floor. The Rays continue to do a phenomenal job working within tight budget constraints. But these billion dollar owners play it off like it’s this wonderful thing for them to be cheap and for their franchise to find success IN SPITE of them. To me that just borders on ridiculous. Imagine what this team could do with resources.
moneyball doesnt work
“Moneyball doesn’t work.” Tell me more about the strategies of the other 28 teams who didn’t make the WS last year.
What could the Rays do with a $200M payroll? Perhaps worse than they’ve been doing. Spending all that money would mean losing all those compensatory picks and giving up more picks for signings, and hanging onto their stars instead of cashing them in for prospects just before their expiration date. They wouldn’t have a top farm system and so they wouldn’t have the roster depth they need.
What MLB really needs isn’t a salary floor, it’s some rules that make it advantageous for teams to re-sign their own players so fans can enjoy some continuity. Maybe gain an extra draft pick for keeping a star, get more revenue sharing money for contract extensions, something like that. The qualifying offers system is something, but not nearly enough and most of the time teams want their offer rejected so they can take the draft pick.
Excellent concept. You should flesh it out a bit and offer it at Fangraphs.
However, I think the new CBA will change things enough to render it moot.
If they had a 200 million dollar payroll they’d let fans pressure them into signing big name free agents, have less to spend on what actually works and they wouldn’t be the Rays we all know and live.
Soon they will be the MLB-level Charlotte Knights.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Minnesota resign him . He loves it there and they could easily get him back as he’s a free agent after this season. Highly doubt Tampa will sign him, this looks like a pure rental
Cruz’s next contract might be twice as big if there’s an NL DH next year as if there isn’t. Not many AL teams looking for a full time DH to get a bidding war started.
Lots of comments but NOTHING on the effect the trade has on the Orioles’ playoff chances!
RIP Bomba Squad
Rays were already good enough to potentially go to the WS again. What a great pickup for them, and they did it without sacrificing anyone they’re likely to miss. As a White Sox fan, this is bad news as it makes the Sox’ path to the WS that much harder, but the Rays are probably the best-run team in baseball. I applaud them for going for it.
Great addition for the Rays. Both the Rays and Red Sox GMs are playing chess while Cashman continues to play checkers.
Pretty solid return for the Twins.
Hey Rays!
Don’t let Cruz play right field!
Sincerely,
The Rangers.
Cruz is not yet a HOF-er, but he’s getting close.
I wouldn’t really say he’s close. He’s never had any truly HOF seasons. Lots of close ones. Doesn’t have the career stats or any grouping of truly HOF seasons. He’s in “the conversation” but not really that close. Then again, he gets closer the more voters ignore the DH thing. So maybe he is “close”.
He’s 41, if he plays another year and gets another 30 home run that’ll give him 500. Plus, you’ve got to give the guy credit for longevity. Seriously how many guys are serious home run hitters at the age of 41? Oh that’s got to count for something. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not a slam dunk or anything like that, but he certainly in that Dave Parker crowd, and I think they’ve Parker should be in too.
His 134 career OPS+ is pretty impressive. I’m coming around to his candidacy. However, absolute no way on Dave Parker. Dude absolutely fell off a cliff at age 29. (Cocaine is a hell of a drug).
Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, and Manny Ramirez all need to get in well before Cruz can even be considered
HAHAHAHA – GTFO!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA
All cheaters. Cruz will get in first.
He has PEDs on his record so seems unlikely he’d get in the HOF. But unlike most others, he seems to be universally liked and respected throughout the sport so he might have a better shot.
All I can say is that, judging from that picture, Nelson Cruz and I have the same hairstyle.
He’s closer to where he got his PEDs. Good for him.
He’s shown a willingness to cheat and only got caught because of a paper trail. Kind of like Bonds.
He’s good at what he does.
Its always hilarious to see clowns parade nelson cruz around like a saint and such a good guy when he is a proven and blatant cheater. bizarre
Did Joey Wendle just get pushed out of the lineup?
Not at all. It means that Lowe won’t need to be exposed to LHP as a DH though.
Let me one of the first to tout Joe Ryan. He has a 0.79 WHIP in Triple-A. That is the number to look at. I don’t know why performance like this, at a level as high as Triple-A, is ignored. Are the talent evaluators so insecure that they are afraid to admit that they made another mistake?
Isn’t this the player who got caught cheating a few years ago?