The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees will play their final game of the season on Monday night. It’s simply a quirk in the MLB calendar.
This does not imply that the two American League East rivals are done doing business with each other. In fact, they could agree on a deal before the MLB trade deadline next Monday.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com recently claimed that the Rays are scouting Yankees prospects ahead of the deadline.
Despite entering MLB games today with a 50-49 record, the Rays are expected to be both buyers and sellers at the deadline.
Hoch specifically mentioned Isaac Paredes, Zach Eflin, Pete Fairbanks, and Randy Arozarena as options for Yankees.
Could New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays come together on a trade?
Division rivals rarely discuss an in-season trade. This is especially true now that both New York (59-42) and Tampa Bay (50-49) are squarely in the American League Playoff chase. Strange bedfellows and things like that.
However, the Yankees have been prominently involved in trade rumors leading up to next week’s deadline. That includes the possibility of giving up top prospect outfielder Spencer Jones if they can pull off a needle-moving transaction.
Of the four players identified in Hoch’s article, Isaac Paredes appears to make the most sense. He has largely played third base this season. This is one area where the Yankees have struggled. Oswaldo Cabrera is hitting.242 with five home runs and 27 RBIs this season.
It is unusual for division rivals to discuss an in-season deal. This is accentuated by the fact that both New York (59-42) and Tampa Bay (50-49) are firmly in the American League Playoff chase. Strange bedfellows and so on.
However, the Yankees have been prominently involved in trade speculation building up to next week’s deadline. If they can pull off a needle-moving trade, they may be able to offer top prospect Spencer Jones in exchange.
Of the four players mentioned by Hoch in his article, Isaac Paredes appears to be the most likely. This season, he has largely played third base. The Yankees have struggled in this area. Oswaldo Cabrera is batting.242 with five home runs and 27 RBIs this season.
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