The Tampa Bay Rays are in a great position to make a deep postseason run. 

The team currently sits with the best record in the American League and is on pace to win the AL East Division for the first time since 2021. 

There are only two things that can slow them down, injuries (which are starting to accumulate) and not being aggressive enough at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline. And although you can't control the bumps and bruises, Eric Neander and the Rays front office can definitely control the others. 

With the recent injury to Jonny DeLuca, the Rays are in a tough spot regarding bats who can play the outfield. DeLuca's hamstring strain will sideline him for 6-8 weeks, adding to the burden of the limited depth. Jake Fraley went down earlier this month as well and is expected to be out just as long. 

Recent roster moves on Wednesday also pushed infielder Gavin Lux, who can not seem to catch a break in rehabbing his multiple injuries since signing with the organization, to the 60-day injured list. It's a problem if it's not addressed with the right players. 

If the Rays want to ensure they can make a deep playoff run and potentially find themselves in the Fall Classic for the first time since 2020, three of the biggest names on the potential trade market must be at the top of their list. 

Alvarez is still in his prime and still arguably one of the best pure left-handed hitters in baseball today. If the Astros were ready to enter a rebuild, they would definitely be looking for a huge package in return. For Tampa Bay, Houston would most likely demand multiple prospects, possibly including some already ready at the MLB level.  

This trade wouldn't be just seen as a rental. Alvarez is under team control through 2028, and with his $19 million average annual value, that is seen as a bargain for someone with his power.  

Alvarez may not help with outfield depth, but you may have no choice but to put him in a corner if you acquire him so that you can play both him and Yandy Diaz. However, that's certainly a good problem to worry about if you can grab one of the best bats in MLB.

The three-time All-Star is currently with the Arizona Diamondbacks and is trying to help the team be competitive inside the National League and only trails the Los Angeles Dodgers inside the NL West division. However, his 6-year, $116.5 million contract that runs through 2031 is likely to become a tough one to swallow the older he gets. 

But if the Rays are all in on 2026 and would be willing to take on a large contract, Marte could solve many problems with the lack of consistency in the middle infield, especially at second base for the team. He's not showing any signs of slowing down and is hitting .802 OPS with 9 homers on the year. 

This one would take some work, as Buxton currently has a no-trade clause and has made it clear he wants to remain with the Minnesota Twins for his entire career, but it's hard not to add him as a potential target if the team continues to struggle for another season. 

The Twins are one game below .500 and currently sit in the middle of the AL Central, but, despite a down year in the American League, still have a shot at a postseason bid. If they decide to be sellers to gain more prospects, could the veteran outfielder waive his no-trade? He currently has a .886 OPS and 16 home runs on the season.