Rays Winter Meetings: Four Possible Trade Partners

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The Rays winter meetings executives are just getting settled into Nashville, and the rumors are already heating up!

There were a few minor moves made by the Rays over the last few weeks. They added some depth at catcher with Hank Conger, they protected 4 pitchers and 1 outfielder from the rule 5 draft by adding them to the 40-man roster, and they outrighted a few pitchers. Some of their depth pieces decided to become free agents when designated for assignment, but by far, the biggest impact was the deal they made with the Seattle Mariners.

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When

Asdrubal Cabrera

became a free agent in November, the Rays knew they’d have to replace him without having to pay a huge salary. We still need to wait and see what Cabrera can get in free agency, but I guarantee you it will be much more than what the Rays are going to be paying

Brad Miller

– league minimum.

The production they should get from Miller in 2016 is extremely close to Cabrera’s production form 2015. Averaged to 162 games, Miller has accomplished 14 HR with .248/.313/.394 line and 10 SB. Meanwhile Cabrera provided 15 HR with a .265/.315/.430 line and 6 SB. A very similar production level offensively.

The reason I point that part of the trade out is that often, the Rays are looking to replace a weakness, or more often a whole left by a free agent walking away. What makes the winter meetings so interesting is that the Rays are pretty set at most positions. They could feasibly walk onto the field tomorrow with a very capable roster. In essence, any move they make from here on is an upgrade attempt or an attempt to create room for another player.

And that’s why these winter meetings are so fascinating for Rays fans.

With that in mind, we bring you what we believe to be 4 extremely interesting options the Rays could consider pursuing during the winter meetings. They may or may not take place, but they’re a whole lot of fun to consider, and are in no certain order.