Surprise Rays Trade Considered After World Series Run, New MLB Rumors Reveal Ahead of Free Agency

The Tampa Bay Rays may consider trading outfielder Jonny DeLuca this offseason, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal.

The move would be made with the intention of opening center field for right fielder Victor Mesa Jr., who enjoyed a breakout campaign as Tampa Bay made their run to the World Series this past season.

DeLuca is still under club control for three more years, but he has battled injuries throughout his career and has never had more than 370 plate appearances in a single season. The 28-year-old recorded 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases while playing solid defense at both center and right field last season, but Mesa Jr. provides the Rays with a younger option who is also a left-handed hitter.

DeLuca could draw interest in a thin market, and the Rays have promising prospects have promising prospects that could convince them to move on from him. Outfielder Jacob Melton, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros last season, and star prospect Theo Gillen could both step in to provide depth.

According to The Athletic, the Rays could also trade left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan or right-hander Ryan Pepiot. McClanahan is eligible for free agency after next season, while Pepiot is under club control for two seasons.

The Rays could be looking to operate a little differently this offseason after changing ownership and winning an American League pennant. Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander signaled that the team would keep right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen, who will earn $20 million next season in his final year under club control, per MLB's Adam Berry. That would make Rasmussen the first player in franchise history to earn over $15 million in a season.