Tampa Bay Rays Discussing Starting OF in Trade Talks with Other Teams
The Tampa Bay Rays could be looking to lessen payroll in 2024.
While a lot of the conversation has centered around a potential trade of starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, the team could also save some money by shedding starting outfielder Manuel Margot.
Per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
Sources: Rays have discussed OF Manuel Margot in trade talks with multiple teams this month.
Margot, 29, is under contract for 2024, with a team option for 2025. He posted an .839 OPS after returning from the injured list in September.
Margot is due $10 million in 2024 and could be of use to any team needing a starting outfielder that provides speed and defense. He doesn't hit for much power, but Margot can provide a lineup with a good contact hitter as well.
Though he missed time with injury this year, he ended up hitting .264. He had four home runs and 38 RBI, while also stealing nine bases.
He's played eight years in the big leagues with the Padres and Rays and is a lifetime .255 hitter with 52 homers and 91 steals.
He was a former top prospect of the Boston Red Sox who was traded to San Diego prior to the start of his major league career.
A potential trade of Margot or Glasnow are just one of many questions facing the Rays this offseason. After losing in the wild card round of the playoffs in 2023, they also don't know what the situation is with star shortstop Wander Franco, who is still under MLB investigation.
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