Rays reportedly more open to trading rumored Red Sox target Yandy Diaz

One of many Pink Sox’ prime pitching targets forward of the commerce deadline might not be available, however considered one of their prime hitting targets is obtainable.

The Rays have begun signaling to groups that they’re open to buying and selling first baseman Yandy Diaz, The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal reported. Tampa Bay’s closing determination on what to do with Diaz won’t come till as early because the eve of the commerce deadline on Wednesday, however Boston “will nearly actually be” among the many prime groups within the first baseman, Rosenthal added.

First base has been the one clear gap within the Pink Sox’ lineup for a lot of the 2025 season, particularly after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee harm in early Could. Diaz, who turns 34 in early August, wouldn’t solely assist fill the outlet at first base, however he’d additionally give the Pink Sox one other right-handed hitter with pop. He’s hitting .286 with a .820 OPS, 18 house runs, and 61 RBIs in 99 video games this season. Two years in the past, he led the American League in batting common (.330) as he completed sixth in MVP voting.

Following the Diamondbacks’ determination to commerce Josh Naylor to the Mariners on Thursday, Diaz is perhaps the highest accessible first baseman on the commerce market. He additionally may need been increased on the Pink Sox’ wishlist than Naylor. Boston was extra in “due diligence” mode when it got here to a doable pursuit for Naylor, according to The Boston Globe‘s Alex Speier. In the meantime, the Pink Sox have been “excessive” on Diaz, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported during the All-Star break.

In contrast to Naylor, Diaz is underneath contract for the 2026 season. Whereas Diaz has an additional 12 months of management, buying and selling for him would possible be costlier than what the Mariners surrendered for Naylor. Seattle traded pitching prospects Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi, who weren’t ranked as top-10 prospects within the Mariners’ farm system previous to the commerce, per MLB Pipeline.

Rosenthal’s report didn’t say what the Rays would search in a possible commerce for Diaz. Nevertheless, the current call-up of Roman Anthony may make the Pink Sox’ different prime outfield prospects (Jhostynxon Garcia, James Tibbs, Miguel Bleis) expendable. The identical could possibly be stated for among the Pink Sox’ prime pitching prospects (exterior of Payton Tolle and Luis Perales) after they went pitcher-heavy within the 2025 MLB Draft.

The Rays may also look into shifting second baseman Brandon Lowe and catcher Danny Jansen, in accordance with Rosenthal. Second base won’t be as urgent a necessity for Boston except Marcelo Mayer’s wrist harm retains him out for the lengthy haul. Lowe, 31, is hitting .269 with an .800 OPS and 19 homers this season. He additionally has an $11.5 million crew possibility for the 2026 season.

As for Jansen, the Pink Sox really acquired him forward of the commerce deadline final 12 months. With Connor Wong struggling on the plate this season, Jansen may make sense as a major backup choice to Carlos Narvaez. The veteran is hitting .204 with a .713 OPS and 11 homers in 73 video games this season.

The Rays’ willingness to develop into sellers follows their current chilly streak, which included getting swept by the Pink Sox in a four-game collection. They’re 6-15 since June 29, falling out of one of many three wild card spots and are 2.5 video games again of the Pink Sox getting into Sunday.