The Tampa Bay Rays have endured a difficult July, posting a 6-14 record that has reduced their lead to just one game above .500 and placed them 2.5 games behind a spot in the AL Wild Card race. This poor stretch, reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, has caused the Rays’ front office to reassess their roster strategy, particularly regarding first baseman Yandy Diaz and second baseman Brandon Lowe. While the team is currently open to trading both players, Rosenthal notes that the Rays could revisit this stance depending on how the team performs in the upcoming days, with a final decision expected by the day before the trade deadline on Wednesday.
Impact of Making Diaz and Lowe Available on the Player Market
If the Rays proceed to make Diaz and Lowe available for trade, it would represent a significant change in the player market, especially considering the scarcity of controllable impact position players. MLB Trade Rumors’ Top 50 Trade Candidates list for the 2025 deadline highlights only a few hitters with extensions beyond 2025. Among these, Steven Kwan of the Guardians and Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals stand out but are considered unlikely to be moved. Players like Adolis Garcia of the Rangers and Alek Thomas of the Diamondbacks carry potential but are facing challenging seasons. Meanwhile, Mike Tauchman, Jesus Sanchez, and Ramon Laureano offer dependable corner outfield options with two years of team control but limited upside. Luis Robert Jr. has superstar potential and is controlled for two seasons beyond this year, but his current struggles cast uncertainty over whether teams will exercise his contract options.
Yandy Diaz’s Offensive Value and Trade Appeal
Yandy Diaz, 34, is currently regarded more as a designated hitter due to declining defensive skills, but remains one of the most consistent offensive contributors over recent seasons. Since 2022, Diaz has compiled a .299/.376/.475 slash line with a 139 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+). This season, he maintains a strong 126 wRC+ with 18 home runs in 99 games, combining a 13.9% strikeout rate with a 7.7% walk rate. With team control extending through 2027, Diaz presents as a valuable, controllable bat for any contender.
Ken Rosenthal suggests that should Diaz become available, the Boston Red Sox would almost certainly lead the list of interested teams. Boston currently relies on Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez at first base, following an injury to Triston Casas, and Diaz’s arrival would significantly bolster their offensive lineup. Additionally, his presence might offset the loss if star infielder Alex Bregman decides to opt out of his contract this winter by injecting another powerful right-handed hitter. Other clubs like the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres could also pursue Diaz, as they have the positional flexibility to incorporate him as either a first baseman or designated hitter.
Brandon Lowe’s Versatility and Potential Suitors
At 30 years old, Brandon Lowe combines relative youth with versatility, capable of playing second base and left field. His contract includes a club option for the 2026 season, and he has been a consistent above-average hitter throughout his career with a .248/.329/.482 slash line and a 125 wRC+ career mark. This year, he has performed similarly, batting .269/.320/.480 in 86 games with a 120 wRC+.
Several playoff contenders could target Lowe to enhance their rosters, including the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Lowe’s left-handed bat would be particularly valuable to the Astros, offering balance to their predominantly right-handed lineup. His positional flexibility also complements Jose Altuve’s role perfectly, allowing Houston to secure both second base and left field with seasoned players.
Possible Inclusion of Catcher Danny Jansen in Trade Talks
In addition to Diaz and Lowe, Rosenthal also mentions catcher Danny Jansen as a potential trade candidate. Unlike the other two, Jansen lacks long-term control beyond the 2025 season, holding only a mutual option for 2026 that is likely to be declined. The San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets are reportedly seeking catching reinforcements, making Jansen a possible upgrade despite a middling offensive season marked by a 99 wRC+ and below-average defensive metrics. For teams like Boston and San Diego, Jansen could serve as an improvement over current options such as Connor Wong and Elias Diaz. Moreover, the market for catchers could expand if injuries create immediate needs elsewhere.
Looking Ahead: How These Potential Moves Could Shape the Trade Deadline
The Rays’ shift toward trading Brandon Lowe and Yandy Diaz would significantly impact the July trade market, providing hopeful contenders with rare, controllable offensive assets. With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams closely monitoring the Rays’ decision will weigh their roster needs against the cost of acquiring established hitters with multi-year control. Whether the Rays ultimately hold on to these players or deal them will largely depend on their performance in the next few days as they attempt to climb back into playoff contention.
For contenders like Boston, Houston, and San Diego, adding a player like Diaz, Lowe, or Jansen could prove pivotal in strengthening their postseason chances. The possibility of Diaz joining the Red Sox lineup or Lowe balancing the Astros’ infield represents attractive options for teams looking to improve as the 2024 season nears its final stretch.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Brandon Lowe?
A. B. Lowe is out due to a left ankle/foot issue, and the Rays picked up Fairchild from the Braves. The Tampa Bay Rays are missing their All-Star second baseman, Brandon Lowe, during an important time in the season. On Tuesday afternoon, they put him on the 10-day injured list because of tendinitis in his left ankle/foot.