Reviewing Rays' Deadline needs as AL playoff race tightens

This story was excerpted from Adam Berry’s Rays Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have often said, and shown, that they tend to be more aggressive in their efforts to upgrade their roster when they are in position to win the American League East, get a first-round bye in the postseason and advance straight to the AL Division Series.

Well, here they are, with the Trade Deadline now 10 days away. They have the best record in the AL, a Minor League system overflowing with prospects and as good of a chance as anyone to emerge from the league’s mostly muddled field and make a run to the World Series.

Go time? Not just yet.

With 23 of MLB’s 30 teams within six games of a playoff spot, the industry is still in somewhat of a holding pattern. As the Red Sox have shown, one hot streak can change a team’s outlook when the contenders are so tightly crowded together.

“It's very unique in terms of where the standings are right now, and I think in these initial round of phone calls, you have a lot of teams that are riding the fence, so to speak, saying that the next seven to 10 days could dictate a lot,” Rays assistant general manager Kevin Ibach said earlier this week in Toronto. “We may see more action closer to the actual Deadline this year than in a typical year.”

But the Rays are ready, with Ibach joking they need to be prepared to make a deal “yesterday, really,” not just on Aug. 3.

Their scouts are spread around ballparks throughout the league, and their executives are exhaustively evaluating their needs and potential options. Every bit of information helps, because all that talk will quickly turn to action at some point over the next 10 days.

“Just kind of doing our due diligence right now,” Ibach said. “As every day passes and we get closer to that Deadline, just trying to put us in a position where, if we have to move quickly on something, we're able to.”

We previously attempted to prioritize the Rays’ needs two months before the Deadline. Now that it’s nearly here, let’s take another look at the areas they might look to address.

Impact bat(s)

The most obvious match remains Giants second baseman Luis Arraez, a rental who would fit in perfectly as another contact-oriented, impossible-to-strikeout presence behind Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. Arraez has also improved defensively this season, which would be important for Tampa Bay given the quality glovework they’re getting at second from Ben Williamson and Richie Palacios.

But there are other positions where the Rays could add a hitter. Shortstop is one, if they can find someone who’s both available and has enough offensive upside to outweigh their dedication to Taylor Walls’ stellar defense.

Their catchers have provided middle-of-the-pack offensive production, relative to the rest of the league’s output at that position, but someone like the Twins’ Ryan Jeffers would add more power. So would the A’s Shea Langeliers or the Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, in the unlikely scenario they’re made available.

At one point, it seemed obvious the Rays would pursue another outfield bat, and surely they’ll stay the lookout if a meaningful upgrade is possible. But that may have fallen down the list of priorities a bit, considering Chandler Simpson’s incredible return to form, Victor Mesa Jr.’s emergence and the looming potential of No. 6 prospect Jacob Melton.

A veteran starter

Is this a necessity? Not really. The Rays are getting top-of-the-rotation production from Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez and Shane McClanahan, and Griffin Jax has been good enough as a starter to merit a spot in a potential postseason rotation.

But being aggressive at the Trade Deadline isn’t just about addressing weaknesses to get through the rest of the season. It’s about setting yourself up for October.

So, just imagine that potential playoff rotation being fronted by -- dare to dream -- Tarik Skubal, if the Tigers make him available. Or with Joe Ryan in the mix. That’s the kind of move that makes a good team even better by upgrading an area of strength.

There’s a separate argument to be made for acquiring a proven source of innings, more of a Kevin Gausman or Robbie Ray type. That would reduce the workload strain on the rest of the rotation, keeping them fresh for the biggest games of the year.

A strikeout reliever

The Rays have every reason to feel good about handing a late-inning lead to setup man Kevin Kelly and All-Star closer Bryan Baker. They’re getting consistently good work from lefty Cam Booser and right-hander Casey Legumina, and Garrett Cleavinger is still racking up strikeouts.

But did you realize Rays relievers have a 21.8% strikeout rate this season? That ranks 19th in the Majors and is the lowest mark for their bullpen in the last 10 years.

A healthy return from Manuel Rodríguez would add more depth, and it’s worth keeping an eye on No. 10 prospect Ty Johnson, who has a 33% strikeout rate as a starter in Triple-A. But another high-leverage, swing-and-miss specialist would be a nice weapon for manager Kevin Cash.