Breaking Down Why Red Sox Are Good Trade Partner for Rays' Veteran Slugger

Why are the Boston Red Sox a good trade partner with the Tampa Bay Rays?

Apr 3, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of a Tampa Bay Rays hat and glove during the seventh inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. | Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images

The planning for the offseason has officially begun for the Tampa Bay Rays and they will have no shortage of important decisions to make. With new ownership taking over, it’s hard to know what the direction of the team will go in, but this is a front office that generally makes good decisions. 

The Rays are a franchise that has always been built on having a strong farm system to support their generally low payroll. The team is no stranger to trading some veterans and players that are on expiring contracts in order to get talent back in return rather than losing them in free agency. 

This formula has worked out well and they very well might do it again this winter despite new ownership. Tampa Bay could be a contender in 2026, but they have two notable veterans that they may decide to move in Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe. Based on their position, Diaz seems like the more likely slugger to get dealt and there will be some intriguing teams that could pursue him. 

Why the Red Sox are a Good Trade Partner for the Rays

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Even though the two sides are in the same division, the rivalry isn’t overly heated like the Red Sox and New York Yankees trying to make a deal. With that being said, first base and designated hitter seems to be a position that Boston will be seeking to upgrade after the 2025 campaign. 

Diaz would certainly fill a need in the middle of the order for them and the Red Sox also have a strong farm system that would have the potential players to send back to the Rays. With seven outfield prospects and a plethora of pitchers in their Top 30, they could help replenish their farm system with at least a couple strong prospects from the Red Sox. 

If Tampa Bay elected to trade Diaz this winter, the return would be far greater than if they held on to him until the summer. However, while the return would be much better this offseason, it would also significantly impact the lineup. 

At a very reasonable salary in 2025, Diaz would provide Boston with an impact bat at a good price. For a team that is built to win now, that makes a lot of sense even if it costs them a talented prospect or two. For the Rays, moving a veteran who isn’t in the long-term plan isn’t something new for the franchise and could be the best decision.