Headlines

  • Brandon Woodruff Out For Wild Card Series With Shoulder Injury
  • Buck Showalter Will Not Return As Mets Manager In 2024
  • Tim Wakefield Passes Away
  • Felix Bautista To Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Signs Through 2025 Season
  • Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension
  • Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Rays Acquire Adrian Sampson, Manuel Rodriguez From Cubs

By Tim Dierkes | August 1, 2023 at 11:16am CDT

The Rays announced they have acquired pitchers Adrian Sampson and Manuel Rodriguez and international free agent bonus pool space from the Cubs for minor league pitcher Josh Roberson. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic first reported the deal.

Sampson, 31, joined the Cubs’ rotation in late June last year as the team dealt with injuries to Marcus Stroman, Drew Smyly, and Wade Miley.  The journeyman righty was surprisingly able to stick, putting together 19 starts with a 3.28 ERA.  Sampson’s low strikeout rate suggested that level of success was unsustainable, but it was enough for the Cubs to retain him on a $1.9MM arbitration deal.

After losing the Cubs’ fifth starter battle out of camp this year to Hayden Wesneski, Sampson was optioned to Triple-A.  In May he hit the IL after a meniscal debridement procedure on his right knee and was bounced from the team’s 40-man roster once he recovered.  To retain his career-best salary, Sampson could not reject the Cubs’ outright.  Sampson has struggled mightily in his 23 innings at Triple-A this year, but the Cubs were able to clear his remaining $633K salary by including Rodriguez and the international free agent bonus pool space.

The Rays are the next stop for Sampson, who pitched in KBO in 2020 and was with the Rangers, Mariners, and Pirates before that.  Until the Rays decide to add Sampson to their 40-man roster, he’ll head to the Triple-A Durham Bulls to serve as extra depth.  Yesterday, the Rays picked up Aaron Civale in a trade with the Guardians, sending Taj Bradley back to Triple-A as a result.

Though Sampson has nearly 300 big league innings to his name, Rodriguez could be the bigger get for Tampa Bay.  Rodriguez, a 26-year-old righty reliever, logged a total of 31 1/3 innings out of the Cubs’ bullpen in 2021-22 to limited success.  The Cubs bumped him from the 40-man roster in January to make room for Julian Merryweather, and Rodriguez cleared waivers and was sent outright to Iowa.

The Cubs have been unable to find room for Rodriguez back on their 40-man or in their big league bullpen this year, despite a relief corps that has struggled at times.  Rodriguez worked around 96-97 miles per hour in the Majors, and this year at Triple-A he’s posted interesting numbers despite a BABIP-inflated 4.42 ERA.  In 38 2/3 innings, Rodriguez has managed to punch out nearly a third of batters faced, though he’s walked more than 10%.  He also sports a groundball rate of 58.4%, which has resulted in only two home runs allowed all year.  Like so many Rays relief pickups, this could be an underrated move.

The Cubs add Roberson, a 27-year-old righty reliever who has toiled in the minors since being drafted in the 12th round out of University of North Carolina Wilmington back in 2017.  The Rays picked Roberson up as the player to be named later to complete the deal that sent Louis Head to Miami in November 2021.  Roberson reached Triple-A for the first time this year, and has posted a 4.50 ERA, 25.7 K%, 13.2% BB%, and 41.1% groundball rate in 36 innings.

Statistically at least, Rodriguez is having a better year at Triple-A than Roberson.  Perhaps the Cubs have a good scouting report on Roberson; before the season Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs wrote of “slam dunk big league stuff undercut by 20-grade command.”  The salary relief the Cubs are getting on Sampson is likely a factor here in this low-profile deadline day trade.

Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Chicago Cubs Tampa Bay Rays Transactions Adrian Sampson Josh Roberson Manuel Rodriguez

Royals Acquire Tucker Davidson
Main
Diamondbacks Listening To Trade Offers On Andrew Chafin, Joe Mantiply
View Comments (49)

Comments

  1. Spaced-Cowboy

    2 months ago

    Anyone know much about these pitchers? Future Cy Young candidates for the Rays?

    1
    Reply
    • Justajaysfan

      2 months ago

      They both have potential. Sampson has pitched well when called upon. Rodriguez has the ability to become a solid BP arm.

      Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      2 months ago

      MRod they will improve control and with their defense will put up solid numbers. They will have Sampson throw more breaking balls and increase his K rate. That’s the idea at least.

      2
      Reply
  2. JohnJasoJingleHeimerSchmidt

    2 months ago

    Tucker Davidson AND Adrian Sampson in the same span of 15 minutes?

    The stove is HOT.

    10
    Reply
  3. Wheeler Dealer

    2 months ago

    Adrian Sampson SP started for Cubs last year he did good, Manny Rodriquez throws hard

    Reply
  4. Edp007

    2 months ago

    Adrian has never been the same since that haircut

    2
    Reply
  5. THEY LIVE!!!

    2 months ago

    Who are these guys?

    Reply
    • StPeteStingRays

      2 months ago

      Adrian Sampson and Manuel Rodriguez

      3
      Reply
  6. rememberthecoop

    2 months ago

    Why would the Cubs be interested in a 27 year-old minor league relief pitcher? Unless maybe they were going to dfa these guys to create roster spots for acquisitions?

    3
    Reply
    • budman3 2

      2 months ago

      None of these guys were on either teams 40 man rosters. to trigger clearing space.

      1
      Reply
      • budman3 2

        2 months ago

        In fact, Roberson is rule 5 eligible., so the Cubs will have to decide what to do with him over the winter.

        Reply
    • pt57

      2 months ago

      And they threw in international FA bonus pool money for good measure.

      Cheap ass Ricketts probably told Jed to dump Sampson’s high dollar salary.

      2
      Reply
    • mike127

      2 months ago

      Kind of reads like the Cubs were able to clear Sampson’s salary (no matter how small) by doing this. Seems much more a business deal than anything. This is part of economics that I don’t understand, nor care to.

      1
      Reply
      • Unclemike1526

        2 months ago

        Mike- it’s obvious they liked Roberson more than Rodriguez and the Cubs have spent a ton of money on Intl prospects lately. Either they think next year is a lean year for prospects or they have their minor leagues stacked with Intl prospects. See M.B and the ACL Cubs rosters. It’s not a big deal to them I guess. Sampson was just taking up innings that are better served for real prospects.

        Reply
    • CJML

      2 months ago

      This doesn’t make a lot of sense for the cubs. They can’t be that concerned with 667 thousands dollars unless a trade is going to push them towards luxury tax.

      2
      Reply
      • rondon

        2 months ago

        He pitched well last season but has been terrible this season.

        Reply
    • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

      2 months ago

      Because they love signing 1 year deal with washed up players.

      It’s Jed’s specialty.

      1
      Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        2 months ago

        Like Bellinger?

        4
        Reply
        • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

          2 months ago

          Belli might be the exception. Plus his deal has a player option attached to it. So it’s not 100% a 1 year deal.

          Plus I said washed up players. Not ones in their prime.

          Reply
        • thefallensoldier

          2 months ago

          It’s a mutual option, just to defer some money to next year. Its a one year deal.

          Reply
        • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

          2 months ago

          Okay fine its a one year deal. He’s far from being washed up.

          Reply
  7. NickVin

    2 months ago

    Just seems like a nothing trade. Depth for the Rays if pitchers get injured.

    3
    Reply
  8. MJK 2

    2 months ago

    Sampson is an arm – when healthy a #5 or #6 SP.
    Rodriquez is a young arm, mlb potental unknonw,
    Sampson was one out away from a no-hitter in 2018 (vs. Texas)

    Reply
  9. Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm

    2 months ago

    Rays cornering the Mexican baseball players market in MLB

    Reply
    • brickhaus

      2 months ago

      They could have just called up Aranda…

      Reply
  10. egrossen

    2 months ago

    Seems like a set up move. Clearing a spot on the 40 man to acquire a bullpen arm?

    Reply
    • kidbryant

      2 months ago

      None of the 3 were on the 40 man rosters, so I’d so that’s a no.

      Reply
      • egrossen

        2 months ago

        Oh my bad. Thanks for the heads up.

        Reply
  11. ActionDan

    2 months ago

    If I had to guess this was a move by the Cubs to create roster space for another deal they’re working on hence giving up international bonus money to the Rays.. no way they make this trade otherwise.

    Reply
    • kidbryant

      2 months ago

      Neither guy was on the 40 man so it wasn’t a roster space issue. It was a salary dump.

      1
      Reply
      • fearthecub

        2 months ago

        They also could’ve needed to create roster space in AAA. You are only allowed to have so many players per level, and they were already crowded there with recent promotions/demotions.

        They likely will demote one or two more guys to AAA pending any additional transactions at the major league level. They likely just wanted to purge some players.

        Reply
        • Spotswood

          2 months ago

          Fearthecub and kidbryant – both have reasoning behind the move for the Cubs. $633M salary dump gives the Cubs a little more wiggle room under the luxury tax if they can work out additional moves.

          It also clears AAA roster spots for promotions from AA. Caissie/McGeary/Murray could be on the move along 5-6 arms. And that allows A+ to move guys up to AA and so on.

          Reply
    • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

      2 months ago

      Palencia probably gets sent down for Cuas, and Rucker is already down at Iowa. If they get a lefty for the pen today, Kay will be sent back to Iowa as well.

      They manage to place Sampson on a playoff team and give the Rays international cap space to offset the salary. I would put the over under on Sampson pitching in Tampa at 2.5 innings – he will get selected for depth, pitch in a blowout, and get outrighted again.

      Rodriguez had a high probability of being selected in Rule 5 this winter by a team like Oakland, so they might as roll the dice on Robertson, although I can see them sending him to the Complex instead of Iowa.

      1
      Reply
  12. briar-patch thatcher

    2 months ago

    Typical Bargain Mart Rays….

    Reply
  13. YourDreamGM

    2 months ago

    Win win. For Rays. If they could teach Rob better control they would have done so and wouldn’t need to trade him for these 2. You have to give up eventually. For Cubs. These weren’t playoff arms for them. They got a much better arm to work with. Maybe they cut down the walks.

    Reply
  14. TomL

    2 months ago

    Sampson was recently outrighted, and I thought Manny may have been on the 40-man but don’t see any transactions this year having him removed so doesn’t look like a roster clearling move before something big happens.

    Reply
  15. msqboxer

    2 months ago

    Rays GM must be a former car salesman. We’ll give you a 27 year old AAAA player for your two pitchers that have MLB experience and by the way give us some international pool money.

    Reply
  16. Unclemike1526

    2 months ago

    Sampson just had knee surgery and has been horrible since he came back. Rodriguez has been the closer at Iowa and has been spotty at best. It just gets guys out of the way for the Cubs. The guy might replace Herz at AA as they’re trying for a playoff spot. Sampson is 4AAAA fodder at best. I wouldn’t expect much from anyone involved in this trade. There’s nothing here that stays on anyone’s 40 man.

    Reply
  17. kidbryant

    2 months ago

    It’s a simple salary dump of 2 minor league pitchers. It’s not selling of anything of value.

    Reply
    • Unclemike1526

      2 months ago

      Salary Dump? These guys make peanuts. This isn’t even tip money for anybody. It’s clearing out roster spots for draft picks that were just made. Now that they’ve signed, They need somewhere to go. Guys need to move up and guys need to move out. Cubs have been dumping guys for weeks already.

      Reply
      • msqboxer

        2 months ago

        Trading 2 for 1 isn’t clearing out space..I can care a less about the players, just wanting to know why international pool money needed to be added unless that was to pay for their salary offset.

        Reply
    • Spotswood

      2 months ago

      Kidbryant – correct. That $633M the Rays take of Sampson’s salary comes off the Cubs MLB payroll. Since they’re just under the threshold, the $633 is a big deal and may allow them to trade for Chafin or another bullpen arm without crossing that luxury tax

      Reply
      • Unclemike1526

        2 months ago

        The Luxury Tax crap is nonsense. It wouldn’t mean anything and Chafin isn’t coming so forget that. He already has triggered an opt in clause for next year that the Cubs want no part of. They didn’t want him for free so why would they want him now? Besides I think the Cubs are done now. they got the bat they wanted and have their own arms for the pen. All they got here and with Cuas is some Minor League depth.

        Reply
  18. conquerbeard

    2 months ago

    I can’t believe it – an article about Rays starting pitching that DOESN’T mention Jeffrey Springs and how the team has suffered so horribly in the 100+ games they’ve played without him. Then again, he was likely the Cy Young winner according to this comment section, so the restraint is genuinely impressive.

    Reply
  19. tbfern

    2 months ago

    Typical Rays W. Players that nobody is probably even calling about but gives us massive pitching depth. Sneaky moves by our front office that’ll pay off now & in the future.

    1
    Reply
  20. brood550

    2 months ago

    Cubs got fleeced here. Rodriguez is better than Roberson and has MLB experience. Sampson has team control has potential to be a backend rotation option at an easy to swallow salary. Add in the pool space and this is highway robbery.

    Reply
    • brickhaus

      2 months ago

      They got the Rays to assume $600k of salary to give up a couple guys they already wouldn’t have kept this off-season. In return they get a look-see on someone who’s unlikely to be selected in Rule 5. Rays get a couple guys they can ride the Durham shuttle, one of whom they still control if they’re willing to offer arb. Seems like a low risk play for both sides to me.

      Reply
      • brood550

        2 months ago

        Rodriguez has pre-arbitration status still. They would’ve most likely kept him. Sampson has looked good at times, but I do get he’s in arbitration years and he’s over 30.. I don’t see why you do this deal if you want to cut salary, all you do is not tender a contract to these guys next year and the salary is off the books with the international pool money in tact. Saving money this year doesn’t make much sense with how p[pathetic their [payroll is.

        Reply
      • prodave

        2 months ago

        Yeah, especially after they unloaded Patino for cash.

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Brandon Woodruff Out For Wild Card Series With Shoulder Injury

    Buck Showalter Will Not Return As Mets Manager In 2024

    Tim Wakefield Passes Away

    Felix Bautista To Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Signs Through 2025 Season

    Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension

    Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations

    Giants Fire Gabe Kapler

    Orioles Agree To 30-Year Lease At Camden Yards

    Padres Prefer To Retain A.J. Preller, Bob Melvin In 2024

    Brooks Robinson Passes Away

    Reds’ Matt McLain Shut Down For Remainder Of 2023 Season

    Padres Plan To Reduce Payroll To Around $200MM; Front Office Changes Possible

    Marlins Place Eury Perez On 15-Day Injured List, Select Jeff Lindgren

    Sandy Alcantara Shut Down For Rest Of 2023 Season

    Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture

    Rays Promote Junior Caminero

    Sean Doolittle Announces Retirement

    Tigers Name Jeff Greenberg General Manager

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery

    Recent

    Erasmo Ramirez Clears Waivers

    Brandon Woodruff Out For Wild Card Series With Shoulder Injury

    Scott Harris, A.J. Hinch Discuss Tigers’ Offseason Plans

    Brewers Release Brian Anderson

    Mets Officially Introduce David Stearns As President Of Baseball Operations

    Padres Chairman Peter Seidler: “Current Leadership Continues To Have My Full Support”

    The Mariners Had An Elite Shortstop In 2023 After All

    The Opener: Mets, Padres, Angels

    Buck Showalter Will Not Return As Mets Manager In 2024

    Tim Anderson Willing To Move To Second Base

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Shohei Ohtani Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version