The Tampa Bay Rays are Interested in Cubs Relievers

The Tampa Bay Rays are a contender with a lot of needs approaching the MLB trade deadline. This makes them a tricky team to predict targets for, as they could go many different directions to improve their club.

According to The Athletics' Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), the Rays are one of the many teams scouting the Chicago Cubs available relievers. While it has been speculated that they would be in play for the Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, it appears bullpen help is more likely.

The Cubs have been a team that the club is frequently in negotiations with. At least years deadline, there was discussion about Tampa Bay's interest in Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel, with Chicago having eyes on Tyler Glasnow and Kevin Kiermaier.

The Cubs have a variety of bullpen arms that carry value around the league, namely closer David Robertson and righties Mychal Givens and Chris Martin. According to FanSided's Robert Murray, all three are generating buzz amongst teams who are looking for bullpen help.

Robertson in particular would be a great piece for the Rays bullpen. The 37-year old pitched for Tampa Bay last season, and has extensive history pitching in the AL East. As the Cubs primary closer this year, Robertson has a 1.83 ERA in 39.1 innings of work.

If the Rays can acquire Robertson, that would be a huge addition to the bullpen. Tampa Bay has lost multiple arms this season and could use a dependable option in the 9th inning. If the Rays go after Givens or Martin instead, that will also go a long way.

Stay tuned all week as we continue to breakdown all the Rays deadline rumors and coverage of any deals that go down.