Rays Star Trio On Trading Block; Should Red Sox Make Offer?

The Rays are willing to sell at the trade deadline, with three notable names being mentioned among those available before July 30. The Red Sox, despite some uncertainty about their final decision, are in a position to make an offer.

It would appear water is starting to find its level.

Tampa Bay had a nice run over the last several seasons, but things have come crashing down to earth with a 48-48 record entering the unofficial halfway point. The Rays likely aren’t going to make the playoffs, sitting 5 1/2 games back in the wild-card standings, so they’re reportedly willing to “listen” on offers for Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz and Isaac Paredes in “the right deal,” according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.

Can Boston offer that deal? It isn’t really a matter of if they can, but if they’re willing.

The Red Sox certainly value Arozarena, Diaz and Paredes differently. Which one (or two) make the most sense? Do they fit the club’s timeline? Is the price right? Let’s unpack.

Randy Arozarena

Arozarena is the big fish everyone will recognize, and although his postseason track record is already legendary, he doesn’t fit Boston’s timeline at all.

The Rays haven’t paid him, but with two more arbitration years he’ll garner a pretty penny on the trade market. The Red Sox likely would have to include someone like Roman Anthony in a deal, all for someone who is batting .202 this season with a 93 OPS+. It wouldn’t be smart to entertain this addition, no matter how big of a name he is.

Isaac Paredes

Paredes was Tampa Bay’s lone representative at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, and for good reason. He’s slashing .261/.364/.459 with a 136 OPS+, 15 home runs and 50 RBIs — all while having the defensive versatility to play anywhere on the infield. You ready for the problem?

He’s arbitration eligible for three more seasons. The Red Sox aren’t going to come close to whatever the asking price is.

Yandy Diaz

The Red Sox need a right-handed hitter, who plays first base, who won’t be a long-term financial commitment and who can slide in to ease the burden on Triston Casas down the stretch. Check. Check. Check. Check.

Diaz is .273/.329/.396 with a 109 OPS+ and 21 doubles. He might cost more than your typical rental, but Boston could certainly hold onto its top prospects and get a deal done.

Verdict

Diaz. Maybe.