Jul 16, 2026 10:05 AM
Updated Jul 17, 2026 9:13 AM

This week's Rays Roundtable previews the MLB trade deadline, debating Tampa Bay's top targets, whether Eric Neander should trade elite prospects, and how aggressive the Rays must be to turn their AL East lead into a World Series run.

The MLB All-Star Game is over, and it's back to business for the Tampa Bay Rays. 

As the team currently sits 3 games ahead of the New York Yankees for the American League East, the Rays have a long summer to get themselves back to the postseason for the first time since 2023. The MLB Trade Deadline will be an important one.

On this week's Rays Roundtable, we discuss some of the biggest talking points regarding the MLB Trade Deadline and what the Rays must accomplish before August 3rd. 

Everyone has one, who is your MUST trade for target before the deadline approaches?

Michael Brauner: If Houston is serious about moving on from Jeremy Pena, this is someone Tampa Bay absolutely has to call on for. The price may be too high, but with another year of team control, he could be the final piece this lineup needs.

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Christian Rauh: I've been consistent on this for the last month, no reason to change it now. I'm going with San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez. He won't break the bank, or cost you the farm, and he instantly improves your batting order as one of the best pure hitters in the game. Arraez and Yandy Diaz at the top of the order could be a perfect match. 

Will the Rays be willing to move on from some of their top prospects such as Gillen, Flewelling and Bodine?

MB: It all depends on how close they think they are to winning a World Series. Nobody wants to part with top prospects, but even top-100 guys like this are still a lottery ticket. The Rays should get aggressive here.

CR: After what we saw from Flewelling in the Futures Game and how fast he is flying through the prospect ranks, his value may never be this high again. They should be willing, but only if it means they are bringing in someone like a Tarik Skubal or other blockbuster name. There are other great options where you can still drastically improve this roster without hurting your future. 

On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that Eric Neander will be aggressive enough to push the Rays into a deep postseason run?

MB: Probably 5. Tampa Bay will make some moves, but will they be legitimate contenders for someone like Tarik Skubal or Byron Buxton? Probably not, but never say never.

CR: I'm going 7. The rumors of him snooping around Skubal, Ketel Marte, and Arraez give me optimism. Remember, he was the one that offered Junior Caminero to the Angels for Shohei Ohtani, he was just turned down. He isn't afraid to go big. 

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