The Tampa Bay Rays climbed to No. 4 in MLB's latest Power Rankings after going 6-1 following a four-game skid. With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, Tampa Bay could become even more dangerous if Eric Neander makes a blockbuster move.
The Tampa Bay Rays have had an interesting start to the second half of the MLB season. After beginning post-All-Star break on a four-game losing streak, the team has quickly shifted, going 6-1 heading into their first day off on Monday. The team sits 62-43, three games better than the New York Yankees for the AL East division lead.
As the team shifts focus to the upcoming MLB trade deadline on August 3rd, the Rays will look to do everything in their power to keep the best record in the American League.
On Monday, MLB released their updated Power Rankings, and the Tampa Bay Rays were seen as the fourth-best team in baseball. MLB writer Will Leitch could see this team go very far into the postseason if they make the right moves to bolster the roster.
"It has been quite something to see the Rays — the Rays! — emerge as one of the teams most likely to trade for Tarik Skubal, if he's on the market. And it may be downright terrifying to play them in October if they pull it off. You love to see the Rays going for it. And there wouldn't be much more of a go-for-it move than that one. Heading into the season, they're probably the team in the division you would have expected something like that from the least."
The Rays can go in multiple directions at the MLB trade deadline, and quite frankly, they need to. The team could use some more depth when it comes to the rotation, and of course Tarik Skubal would be the ideal candidate. The team also could, of course, use some relief pitching to help the back end of the bullpen. Most importantly, although the Rays currently sit with the best batting average in baseball, a middle infielder with a more consistent bat, such as Luis Arraez, would be a perfect addition to make a deep postseason run.
The Rays are off Monday, but they will be back in action to finish the final six games of their homestand at Tropicana Field as they begin a series against the Texas Rangers. The next six games will be crucial heading into the trade deadline, as all are against American League opponents.
This is a perfect opportunity for the roster to gain momentum, and when the way adds talent, the front office, led by Eric Neander, this team could be very dangerous down the stretch.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
