Rays must keep bullpen bright spot Jason Adam as trade deadline approaches

When the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Jason Adam in free agency prior to the 2022 season, they likely were unaware they had acquired a future bullpen ace. He has helped the team tremendously since being acquired, but especially in 2024 -- and that's no reason to sell him to the highest bidder at the trade deadline.

The right-hander has been consistent all season, putting up a 1.86 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 36 appearances, totaling 38.2 IP. The Rays' pitching staff has a 4.46 ERA as a team combined, which is abnormal for them given their past years of success. Adam has made a statement, contributing to lowering that ERA by allowing zero earned runs in his last seven games. On June 19 against the Minnesota Twins, Adam got the win, improving his record 4-1 by allowing no hits and striking out second baseman Willi Castro in one inning pitched.

On the hill again on June 28, this time against the Washington Nationals, he struck out two players in a 1-2-3 inning, allowing him to get a hold while dropping his ERA to 2.06.

Recently on Independence Day against the hot Kansas City Royals, Adam was phenomenal playing in front of his big family, since he is a Kansas native. In the bottom of the sixth, skipper Kevin Cash decided to pull right-hander Garret Cleavinger, who'd allowed two men on base and gave up runs that were charged to right-hander Zach Eflin. Adam stopped the bleeding, as he only allowed one hit and recorded two outs. In the bottom of the seventh, Adam pitched smoothly, as he got a 1-2-3 inning, helping the Rays to edge out the Royals 10-8.

After that contest, Adam remarked on his outing against the Kansas City Royals.

Obviously, you want to get ahead, have strike one, and let your defense get to work. I was ready to face the batters. We need to be ready for games like this - always be ready to grind.

Rays need to keep Adam past the trade deadline

The trade deadline is coming up, and a lot of buzz is popping up that the Rays are a potential seller. Many teams, like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, want to bolster up their bullpen. The Rays, however, should not trade Jason Adam in any deals. Adam has been an exceptional pitcher for the Rays this season and has helped the team by bringing down their ERA. Adam looks to continue his dominance and be a bright spot for the Rays as long as they keep him.