Rays linked to 'fun' trade with .337 average hitter that wouldn't be fun for the fans

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Rays linked to 'fun' trade with .337 average hitter that wouldn't be fun for the fans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are just 0.5 games back of the New York Yankees for the top spot in the American League East. They have a good offense, but there are some concerns with the pitching staff.

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As things currently stand, the Rays will look more like buyers than sellers at the trade deadline. But if things go very wrong during the season, there are a few players who could become available.

One of those players that could become available is, according to ESPN's David Schoenfield, first baseman and .337 batting average hitter Yandy Diaz. He called a Diaz trade "fun," but it wouldn't be much fun for the Rays or their fans at all.

Rays linked to 'fun' trade of Yandy Diaz

"If-all-goes-wrong candidate No. 5: Yandy Diaz. This would be fun," Schoenfield writes. "He's limited to first base or DH, but many teams can use an upgrade there. He also has a team-friendly club option for 2027 at $13 million, which is why the Rays might keep him, no matter where they are in the standings."

Hopefully, for the fanbases' sake, the last point made by Schoenfield is what overcomes the possible Diaz trade rumors.

He's been floating in rumors for a year or so now, but there's been no real indication that the Rays are looking to move on from their Silver Slugger.

Diaz is 34 years old and has a very affordable $13 million option for the 2027 season. He's hitting .337 this season with three homers and is one of the best hitters in baseball.

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A team in need of offense would surely be willing to spend a decent amount to acquire him. The Rays would also likely get a lot in return if they traded him this season.

While the Rays could get some good offers for Diaz, trading the All-Star and former Batting Title champion would be a tough blow for the offense in Tampa Bay.

The team isn't a big spender like the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees, which makes the affordable $13 million option for Diaz that much more appealing for the Rays.

As Schoenfield notes, a trade saga with Diaz would be "fun" for teams interested in the first baseman. But, for the Rays, sending Diaz off to a new team would be a sad end to the career of one of the franchise's best hitters.

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