Rays Scouting Multiple Teams In Aggressive Trade Deadline

The Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders recently reported that numerous scouts were attending a Twins-Rockies game, including those from the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and the Rays. The inclusion of Rays scouts is interesting and seems to confirm that they are on the prowl for roster upgrades.

Rays Start Preparing for the Trade Deadline

The Rockies May Have Good Players

The Rockies have a couple of interesting trade targets. Players like Jake Bird, Ryan McMahon, and Germán Márquez are getting all the headlines as potential trade chips. A player like Jordan Beck could make the most sense for the Rays.

Beck won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2027 and will be a free agent in 2031. He is having a great season and would be another talented young player for the Rays. Beck has played 86 games with a 0.9 WAR this season with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. His .269/.323/.459 slash line gives him a 782 OPS and a 108 OPS+. Crucially, he’s batting .325/.364/.578 with a .942 OPS in 88 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

The Rays Need To Be Better Against Southpaws

The Rays can use some help against left-handers. Christopher Morel is the top option to start against southpaws, but his offensive numbers indicate he hasn’t been getting the job done. Rays President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander spoke to the media at the end of May, in which he seemed to put Morel on notice. Neander said, “…But you’ve got to produce on the field…the last 10 months or so, we’ve expected more out of him than what we’ve gotten. We’ve got to start seeing more or you start walking down this path of what’s next, but we’re not there yet.”

Since those comments from the head of the Rays front office, Morel has a batting average of .250 (13-for-52), four home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 24 games. Not exactly providing the spark that the Rays desperately need. Beck has played 80 games in left field, and his arm value registers in the 79th percentile, indicating a strong throwing arm. This trade target will require a haul, and the Rockies would be smart to set a high asking price. Still, it’s worth probing whether or not the Rockies would seriously entertain offers on the native of Alabama.

More Twins-Rays Trade Rumors

The Minnesota Twins are another team that has frequently been connected to the Rays. The Twins just lost a series to the Rockies and face a tough schedule after the All-Star break. They should start by taking advantage of a seller’s market and placing their controllable relievers on the trade block. Griffin Jax and Brock Stewart have been at the center of rumors recently. Harrison Bader could fit their needs as well. Bader has similarly great numbers against left-handers and could fit as a depth outfielder.

The Last Word

The Rays are sitting in the catbird’s seat as trade deadline season gets underway. They continue to play well, and there are plenty of options available. Beck would fit a very specific need for the Rays, and a change of scenery could help unlock something in the 24-year-old. Getting anyone out of Colorado should help in a major way. The Twins have a handful of pieces that the Rays could help bring to the next level. Anyone trading with the Rays needs to be careful, though, because Tampa Bay has a demonstrated track record of winning these trades.