The Tampa Bay Rays could be in the market to trade some of their veterans this season. They’re in a tough spot as the American League East is loaded with multiple World Series contenders, including the reigning AL champions.
Yandy Diaz is one of the more intriguing trade options for the Rays to look into. Diaz is 33 years old and entering the final year of his contract, though he does have a $12 million club option in 2026. If the Rays were going to trade anybody, it would likely be him.
Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports recently predicted the Chicago Cubs could be the team to land Diaz if he ends up on the trade block this season.
“The Tampa Bay Rays have tough decisions that could benefit the Chicago Cubs over the next few months,” Conahan wrote. “With the Rays’ continued financial constraints, getting rid of any of their expensive players could be something the front office is interested in doing. Somebody like Yandy Diaz would make perfect sense for the Cubs if that ends up being the case.
“However, the Cubs have a sound enough farm system to realistically complete any deal. If they love what the 33-year-old could bring to their lineup, it’s very doable. He’s a career 125 OPS+ bat, a Silver Slugger winner, an All-Star, and much more. There wouldn’t be many better options for the Cubs to consider if he’s available.”
The Cubs don’t have a pressing need for infielders, but a bat like Diaz is always welcome in a lineup, especially if the Cubs don’t have to overspend to land him.
With Chicago seemingly all in to win this season, a trade like this could make more sense than a lot of fans realize.
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