The Tampa Bay Rays have remained in contact with "multiple teams" about potential trades centered around closer Alex Colome, sources told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi on Wednesday.
The Cardinals, who have been showing interest in Colome since the General Mangers Meetings, are among the teams with "sustained interest," according to Morosi. Morosi reported about two weeks ago the sides were discussing a possible trade including Colome, but it appears more teams are attempting to acquire his services as well.
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It's no secret Tampa Bay is shopping some of its top talent, and St. Louis, which released injured right-hander Trevor Rosenthal, is in the market for a back-end bullpen arm.
While the open market presents a number of intriguing late-inning options -- including Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw, Brandon Morrow, Luke Gregerson and Brandon Kintzler, among others -- Colome's affordable salary and three years of club control are both major bonuses that come with the American League saves leader from 2017.
Colome, who turns 29 in December, has been one of the better relievers in all of baseball over the past two seasons, recording a 2.63 ERA and 84 saves while striking out 129 batters in 123 1/3 innings.