Tampa Bay Trade Rumors: 3 Rays That Will Be Dealt by Trade Deadline

These three players look to be trade-bait for the Rays, and although many names have come up in Tampa surrounding possible trade rumors, these three players' time appears to be running short in a Rays uniform.

The Rays are still trailing the division-leading Red Sox by 9.5 games, and they are never shy to wheel and deal to make cost efficient trades. It looks to be another year of the same for Rays fans.

As every day passes, we inch closer and closer to the July 31 trade deadline—and for the Tampa Bay Rays, moves are sure to be made in the coming week. 

Wade Davis

Wade Davis is one of two Rays pitchers on the trading block. 

While Shields has been claimed "untouchable" by Rays' management, starter Wade Davis is not. Davis has struggled at times, with a 7-7 overall record and a 4.46 ERA. CBSsports.com has reported that the Rays are willing to deal the 25-year-old Davis who was a third-round draft pick back in 2004. 

Though Davis has not fully reached his potential, the Rays should be able to acquire some solid young prospects by moving him.

Jeff Niemann

Jeff Niemann's name has popped up around the web a lot today, and according to CBS Sports, the Rays are currently listening to offers for the 28-year-old Niemann.

Niemann is 4-4 on the year while posting a 3.86 ERA for the Rays. Niemann missed time earlier on the year while he was on the DL with a back issues. Though he struggled a bit upon his return, Niemann has looked better the past month.

B.J. Upton

MLBtraderumors.com reported earlier today that Tampa Bay had a scout in attendance during the Washington Nationals' Triple-A game on Monday.

Up to five teams have been reported to have serious interest in Upton, with the Giants and Nationals appearing as early favorites to pull out a deal. The Indians, Braves and Pirates are also on the B.J. bandwagon and will likely make offers to the Rays.

Upton is the best defensive center fielder in baseball, and though his batting average is never going to be great, he will steal around 40 bases a year and hit around 20 home runs.