Philadelphia Phillies Scouting Tampa Bay Rays Farm System

The Tampa Bay Rays have been linked to Pat Neshek for some time. With the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly scouting the Rays farm system, a deal could be coming.

Over the past few days, the Tampa Bay Rays have been busy stockpiling relief depth. With the acquisitions of Chaz Roe and Sergio Romo, Tampa Bay has brought in a couple of arms with a track record of success. Yet, it is difficult to imagine that either pitcher, given their struggles recently, will pay a significant role in the Rays bullpen this year.

Even with those moves, the Rays are still looking to upgrade their bullpen. As such, they continue to be linked to Philadelphia Phillies reliever Pat Neshek, who would certainly be the boost they are looking for. In fact, that interest may be intensifying, as the Phillies have been heavily scouting the Rays farm system.

Source: Phillies doing heavy scouting of Rays system. TB interested in Pat Neshek. Rays have been scouring entire relief pitching market.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 22, 2017

More from Rays Colored Glasses

Although the Rays could use a lefty in the bullpen, there is no doubt that the well traveled Neshek would be an upgrade. Thus far in 2017, Neshek has posted a stellar 1.14 ERA and a 0.893 WHiP, striking out 43 batters against five walks in his 39.1 innings. He made his second All Star team, and at 36 years old, only seems to be improving as a reliever.

While Neshek would be an upgrade, the question is now what the Phillies asking price would be. Presumably, they would be in the market for a starting pitcher, but it is hard to imagine that the Rays would part with the likes of Brent Honeywell or Jose De Leon for a rental middle reliever. Even excluding the top prospects, the Rays certainly have enough depth to get a trade done, so long as they feel the price is right.

Next: Rays acquire Sergio Romo

The Tampa Bay Rays are likely not done adding relievers. If the Philadelphia Phillies scouting of the Rays farm system is any indication, another move may be coming soon.