MLB: potential blockbuster Rays trade
The Seattle Mariners have a chance to win the AL West for the first time since 2001. However, the Houston Astros are close behind, and the Mariners need to bolster their lineup to support their excellent pitching staff. One potential source of help is the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite a less impressive season from Julio Rodriguez and the underwhelming addition of Jorge Polanco, the Mariners remain a winning team. Nevertheless, maintaining their success will be challenging if they don’t make some roster improvements before the July 30 trade deadline.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, a trade between the Mariners and the Rays could soon send a high-level position player to Seattle. While nothing is certain, there are indications that talks could progress. Morosi notes that the Mariners and Rays have not yet engaged in serious discussions about Seattle’s interest in adding a significant bat, but the two teams are frequent trading partners, and talks could advance in the coming days. The Rays are open to listening to offers for players like Arozarena, Diaz, or Paredes in the right deal.
Historically, the Rays and Mariners have made numerous trades. Diaz arrived in Tampa Bay through a three-team deal involving the Cleveland Guardians. This offseason, the two teams exchanged Luke Raley for Jose Caballero, who has been instrumental for Tampa Bay this season. They also completed a midseason trade as recently as 2021. What could be next?
Rays listening to trades for All-Star position players
Diaz and Arozarena were All-Stars last season, and Paredes made the All-Star team this season. Each of these players holds considerable value, especially Arozarena, an established star, and Paredes, a promising 25-year-old. While Diaz, at 32, might not attract as much excitement, he has consistently performed well at the plate in recent seasons.
The Mariners have only a few players firmly established in their lineup: Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, and J.P. Crawford. While Polanco, Ty France, and Mitch Haniger have some job security, the Mariners need to be decisive in their trade targets. Almost any addition could benefit the Mariners right now. With their opportunity to win the division, they must make significant moves.
Once a perennial playoff contender, the Rays are now struggling to stay out of last place in the AL East with a 48-48 record, likely heading toward a fire sale. While keeping Paredes might make sense given his age, the Rays should consider trading players who are pushing or exceeding 30 years old.
If these two American League teams, both featuring navy blue and a light blue or green color in their branding, strike another deal, it would be significant. The Mariners are actively searching the trade market for options, and the Rays will likely receive offers from various teams.