There have already been a lot of trade rumors involving the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason. It isn’t too surprising, given the cycle the team has followed essentially since their inception.
When players get too expensive or close to free agency, the Rays notoriously will unload them. The examples are endless, with the most recent trade chips being Jeffery Springs, Tyler Glasnow, Manuel Margot and Brooks Raley. Last year, ahead of the trade deadline, they moved on from Randy Arozarena.
This offseason, the same thing could very well happen with closer Pete Fairbanks, second baseman Brandon Lowe and designated hitter Yandy Diaz. All three are expensive, relative to the Tampa Bay budget, and nearing free agency.
Alas, they are going to have to pay some people to play in 2026. The Rays are never going to be super active on free agency, but could they look to the trade market to find some much-needed upgrades for their lineup?
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports recently put together a piece ranking the top 25 trade candidates who could be on the move this winter. Coming in at No. 22 is Chicago White Sox center fielder, Luis Robert Jr.
Rays shockingly listed as potential fit for Luis Robert Jr.