Will Tampa Bay Rays Be Buyers or Sellers by MLB Trade Deadline?

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a unique position. Though they trail the New York Yankees by 5.5 games in the American League East going into Thursday, the Rays are squarely in the Wild Card hunt.

A recent surge has Tampa Bay just a half-game out of the last playoff spot, which is an enviable position with the MLB trade deadline coming fast. Teams have until July 31 to make a deal, with it unclear whether the Rays will be buyers or sellers?

Or perhaps they can do both. Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander is no stranger to dealing, as a number of moves last year helped set the club up for contention this season and in those to come. The Rays have significant depth to use as potential trade chips is both the buying and selling scenarios.

What will the Rays do at the trade deadline? 

As noted by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, much can happen in the near future.

A lot will depend on how things shake out in the coming weeks. If Ha-Seong Kim is healthy and effective, their need for a better shortstop is answered. If Shane McClanahan is close to his old form, they’ve got an ace. The depth in the organization could provide the answers to any needs they have, but the Rays are always cognizant of their players’ contractual status, which could open the door for some deals.

Some of those pieces could be on the move or remain in place if the club hopes to make a playoff run.

Closer Pete Fairbanks has one more year of control, Brandon Lowe has a club option for 2026 and Yandy Díaz is signed through 2026 with an option for '27. Zack Littell is headed for free agency this winter. If the Rays are firmly in the race next month, it’s hard to see them moving any of these key pieces, but with Tampa Bay, you never know.

Expect the Rays and Neander to be busy. Whichever path they take is anyone’s guess.