Ranking the Tampa Bay Rays' Best Bargaining Chips for the Trade Deadline

Just two weeks away from the trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays have clearly emerged as contenders in the AL East, standing atop the wild-card race and just 2.5 games out of first place in the division.

Like usual, GM Andrew Friedman and the Rays probably won't make much noise at the deadline, but it is likely that we see at least one minor trade later this month.

Here's my ranking for the organization's four best bargaining chips.

4. Ryan Roberts

Ryan Roberts is one of the most likely trade candidates for the Rays at the deadline. With the team healthy and the offense functioning well, Tampa Bay simply does not have a spot for him on the roster, which is why he's currently playing in Triple-A.

If the Rays do try to make a move at the deadline, expect to see them shopping Roberts.

3. Enny Romero

One of the Rays' top pitching prospects, Enny Romero was just selected to his second consecutive All-Star Futures Game earlier this week. The 22-year-old left-hander has exciting potential and has looked good this year with Double-A Montgomery.

With the emergence of Chris Archer, Alex Torres, Alex Colome and Jake Odorizzi, could Romero be a possible trade candidate?

I don't expect to see Friedman even attempt to trade him, but if he does decide to dig deep for prospects, this may be a good time to deal Romero with his stock being pretty high.

2. Kelly Johnson

Could Kelly Johnson be a potential trade target for clubs seeking a bat and some depth? The 31-year-old is enjoying a strong comeback year in Tampa Bay, posting a .762 OPS with a 113 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) and a 1.8 WAR.

Since his contract is expiring at the end of the year, Andrew Friedman may listen to some offers for Johnson, but I doubt he'll pull the trigger. He's a key part of a team that plans on competing in October, so I don't think it would be the right choice to deal an important piece like Johnson.

1. Roberto Hernandez

Roberto Hernandez's numbers this season in the back end of the Rays rotation aren't too pretty: 5-10 with a 4.90 ERA and a 4.58 FIP. However, Hernandez has shown some flashes of his All-Star Fausto Carmona days, posting a career-high 3.36 K/BB rate.

With rookie Chris Archer appearing to be more than capable of pitching in the Rays rotation and Alex Cobb returning soon, the Rays may look into trading Hernandez, who will be a free agent after this season.

If the Rays decide to hang on to him, he might find himself with a role in the bullpen.