With a lack of top-tier free agents available at multiple position groups, teams willing to trade elite players hold plenty of bargaining power this winter. In particular, clubs with strong pitching, a top second baseman or third baseman. Enter the Tampa Bay Rays.
They were at the center of several trade rumors prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, with Chris Archer, Logan Forsythe, Evan Longoria and Matt Moore garnering plenty of interest. Ultimately, only Moore was traded — shipped to the San Francisco Giants.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were reported as a viable trade partner to acquire Longoria. It was a natural connection considering their deep pockets and Justin Turner’s forthcoming free agency.
Although a trade never manifested, the Rays reportedly will listen to offers on their All-Star third baseman this winter and the Dodgers may once again factor into the discussions, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
#Rays will consider offers for Evan Longoria this winter. #Dodgers are one possibility if they do not re-sign Justin Turner. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2016
Turner, who turns 32 years old on Nov. 23, is the preeminent third baseman on the open market. His list of reported suitors to this stage predictably includes the Dodgers and Giants.
Longoria batted .273/.318/.521 with 41 doubles, 36 home runs, 98 RBI, a .350 wOBA and 123 wRC+ over 160 games this season. Like Turner, he too is a local product, having attended California State University, Long Beach.
What may serve as a hurdle in a trade between the Dodgers and Rays is the six years and $100 million remaining on his contract. While Los Angeles aggressively pursued Zack Greinke, they ultimately reached a point in salary and years there were not willing to exceed.
