MLB Trade Rumors: Trading Johnny Damon Is Smart for the Tampa Bay Rays

Perhaps one of the most consistent players for the Tampa Bay Rays this season has been outfielder and designated hitter Johnny Damon.

Damon has a .275 batting average along with 98 hits and 42 runs batted in.

In an interview with Bay News 9, Damon acknowledged that he could be on the move pretty soon with the trade deadline approaching.

“Do I still want to finish my career here? Yes,” Damon said, before demonstrating his full grasp of what could play out in the coming weeks, and even beyond. “I also understand that this team needs to maybe get somebody in return that could help them in the future, and try to re-sign me after this year, too.”

And while it seems like a poor move to trade the team's beat leadoff option and someone who has been a leader in the clubhouse, the Rays could improve themselves in the long run by trading Damon.

But like Damon said, the Rays could trade him away for prospects or a quality relief pitcher and then re-sign Damon in the offseason.

Obviously, you risk losing Damon to another team, especially if he performs well during the last two months of the season after being traded. Another team, which has the potential to win a championship, could offer more money and tempt Damon away from Tampa.

But Damon has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Rays for the last portion of his career. He clearly has found a home here in Tampa and has fit in well with his other teammates.

It is a risk, but a calculated risk. And it is a risk that would make the Rays a better team, and hopefully a team that would see the benefits of this trade for the next several years