Rays interested in Giants' $12M All-Star infielder as 'backup plan' at trade deadline

Rays interested in Giants’ $12M All-Star infielder as ‘backup plan’ at trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Tampa Bay Rays are currently leading the AL East at the All-Star break, and there’s reason to be optimistic about this team staying atop the division and making a run to the World Series in a wide-open American League.

But, for the Rays, this team needs a bit of help. While someone like Tarik Skubal would certainly be nice, the Rays also have their sights set on infield, and more specifically, second base, additions at this year’s deadline.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, amid the Rays showing interest in second baseman, the team has a “backup plan” at the deadline to trade for San Francisco Giants $12 million infielder Luis Arraez if they can’t land Ketel Marte.

Rays showing interest in Luis Arraez as trade ‘backup plan’

“They not only have their eyes on Skubal, but they have shown interest in seeing whether the Diamondbacks would move second baseman Ketel Marte and Giants All-Star second baseman Luis Arraez as a backup plan,” Nightengale writes.

The Rays are eyeing help at this year’s deadline, which isn’t much of a surprise considering their impressive record. While rotation is a need, a second baseman like Arraez would make a ton of sense for Tampa Bay as well.

The 29-year-old infielder is under contract through the end of the 2026 season on a one-year, $12 million deal. He’s been a renowned contact hitter, but this season he’s added to his game.

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Arraez has turned into a legitimately good defensive second baseman. Add on that he’s hitting .330 at the All-Star break with 3.0 bWAR, four homers, and an .829 OPS with 24 walks to just 16 strikeouts, Arraez has been incredible this season.

With the Rays’ need for a second baseman and the Giants likely to sell Arraez amid their infield logjam, a fit between the two teams makes perfect sense.

It shouldn’t cost Tampa Bay too much to make a deal, and it would be a massive upgrade for the Rays. They already have interest, but Nightengale is reporting Arraez is their backup plan.

But, with how good Arraez is, and how unlikely it is for the Arizona Diamondbacks to trade Ketel Marte, Arraez should be a top priority for the Rays this summer.

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