1 Rays player that could be traded sooner than you think

The Rays acquired hard-swinging slugger, Christopher Morel from the Cubs at the trade deadline last season. The deal also included All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes as Tampa Bay was gutting their starting core to rebuild after a 54-52 start in a competitive AL East division. When Morel joined the club, Kevin Cash was hoping that he could serve as a utility power threat. Instead, the 25-year old has struggled mightily, hitting under .200 with only six home runs in 43 games. Now, with multiple outfielders returning from injury, how will they decide to arrange the roster.

The outfield dynamic for the Rays to this point has been interesting, to say the least. They have suffered five injuries to outfielders this season with Josh Lowe, Jonny DeLuca, and Richie Palacios all going down with ailments before the first month was completed. Jake Mangum, Kameron Misner, and newly acquired Travis Jankowski quickly became key contributors for a club that desperately needed it.

Therefore, a good problem has occurred. With Mangum, Jankowski, and DeLuca returning from injury this coming week, the Rays will hold too many outfielders on the roster. At least two of them will need to be demoted to Triple-A and the front office may even consider trading one of them to give room on the roster. On top of those additions, Rays' new shortstop, Ha-Seong Kim will also be joining the everyday lineup very soon.

Rays could strike a deal with Padres to help them with their left field vacancy

After they released Oscar Gonzalez and traded Connor Joe to the Reds, San Diego has gotten awful thin in the outfield, especially in left field. With opposite conflicts between the Rays and Padres, the clubs could make a win-win trade. If they send Christopher Morel to the Padres, then it could solve the Rays' issue of having an overhaul of outfielders.

Morel has slashed a disappointing .203/.290/.333 this year, but he's shown some bright spots from time to time. The former Chicago Cub has accrued 17 hits and 10 of them were for extra bases (7 doubles and 3 home runs). A change of scenery and more playing time could help Morel with a potential reset.