Tampa Bay Rays players that could be on the block

Jake Odorizzi

Much like Alex Cobb, Jake Odorizzi was also listed as a trade possibility during the offseason. And, like Cobb, he has improved his trade stock.

Coming off of a strong 2016 campaign, Odorizzi may well be having the best season of his career. He has posted a somewhat deceiving 3-3 record, along with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.157 WHiP. In his 51 innings, he has struck out 43 batters while issuing 17 walks. His command is not quite where it had been over the past couple of years, but Odorizzi has done an excellent job of limiting hits, with the opposition only hitting at a .223/.287/.457 clip against him.

Odorizzi has also established himself as a solid innings eater. His innings total is low due to being forced from a start with a hamstring issue earlier this season, but he has pitched into the sixth in seven of his other nine outings. He has also allowed more than three runs just three times in those nine outings, solidifying his place as a good middle of the rotation arm.

While Odorizzi may never become the ace he was expected to be, he has still blossomed into the type of pitcher that teams would want in the rotation. Odorizzi also comes with the added bonus of being under team control through 2020, which could lead to a better return for the Rays if they look to make a deal.

The Tampa Bay Rays don’t need to trade Jake Odorizzi just yet, but he will start to get expensive. If the right package comes along, it could make sense to pull the trigger.