The Rays are expected to make a bunch of moves this trade deadline (August 31st). Everything you need to know about the Rays trades and how they will impact the team can be found here, my 2020 Rays Trade Tracker.
*Last Updated 8/31 8pm*
Looks like the Rays didn’t make quite as many moves as hoped. I was thinking they would add a starting pitcher and a catcher, maybe even another bat. There was some talk about them getting Joey Gallo, who I actually would’ve liked (never hurts to have another option for a bat).
Unfortunately, this year’s deadline was pretty quiet. The Blue Jays and Athletics picked up pitchers I liked for the Rays, Robbie Ray (TOR), Taijuan Walker (TOR), and Mike Minor (OAK). The Padres were also making huge trades, with the biggest add being Mike Clevinger. All three of these teams have the potential to be dangerous in the second half of the year.
Hopefully the Rays have everything they need to be successful. I have a good feeling about this year!
August 30th: Two Players to Be Named Later for Jose Martinez
The Rays traded Jose Martinez to the Cubs for two players to be named later. Martinez came to the Rays from the Cardinals this past January.
This move surprised me, but it seems as if Jose Martinez was aiding the Rays until Randy Arozarena was ready to join the team.
Martinez was hitting .239/.329/.388 (AVG/OBP/SLG) so far this year and was used pretty evenly against righties and lefties. His biggest weakness was defense. I would keep him as a DH. He put together some pretty good at-bats, and I hope he does well with the Cubs.
August 28th: Cody Reed for Riley O’Brien
LHP Cody Reed was designated for assignment by the Reds, leading the Rays to pick him up in exchange for RHP Riley O’Brien.
Reed began as a starter with the Reds back in 2016, but struggled and was deemed better fit for the bullpen. He was out the majority of last season with a knee injury, but had the best year of his career in 2018. Looking from 2016 to 2018, all of his stats seem to be trending in the right direction. With all the Rays pitching injuries, it can’t hurt to add a lefty arm to the team.
O’Brien has improved his velocity and command since joining the Rays organization. He also has good spin and a plus slider. The biggest obstacle for him is an inconsistent delivery. According to scouts, if he can clean up his delivery and improve his secondary pitchers, he has potential to be middle of the rotation.
August 27th: Brett Phillips for Lucius Fox
Lucius Fox (shortstop) was a major piece of the Matt Moore trade. The Rays traded him to the Royals for outfielder Brett Phillips.
Phillips is an average lefty bat who strikes out a lot. But, his speed is top 4% in the league. He is pretty good defensively, and had 5 outs above average last year and 6 outs above average in 2018.
Fox is good defensively, but good enough offensively to be an everyday player. According to scouts, the Rays believed he had the potential to be a very good defensive shortstop, though he lacks consistency when making plays.
I think this was a good move, as Kiermaier is an injury liability. He left one of the games against the Blue Jays with a right foot injury. With the season halfway done and the playoffs coming up, it’s always good to have insurance options.
Rays Trade Tracker: What do you think?
Who would you like to see the Rays trade for? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out some of my thoughts on starting pitchers they could add.