5 Players Tampa Bay Rays Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Players Tampa Bay Rays Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By Chad Troyan

July 7, 2015

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5 Players Tampa Bay Rays Should Target Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Tampa Bay Rays' Tropicana Field — The Tampa Bay Rays recently ended a seven-game losing streak. Despite the streak, they sit only two games back of first place in the AL East at 43-41. In order to make a late-season surge, they’ll need to make some moves. Here are five players they should target in order to make a late-season push.

The Tampa Bay Rays recently ended a seven-game losing streak. Despite the streak, they sit only two games back of first place in the AL East at 43-41. In order to make a late-season surge, they’ll need to make some moves. Here are five players they should target in order to make a late-season push.

5. Jean Segura

Brewers rough season may make Segura available

5. Jean Segura

Brewers rough season may make Segura available — The Rays’ shortstops have combined to hit .228 with a .291 on-base percentage. The Brewers are in last place and are fielding calls for their players, including Segura. Segura has had a productive season, hitting .271 with 24 runs driven in. He would be an upgrade both offensively and defensively and could serve as a source of offense anywhere in the lineup.

The Rays’ shortstops have combined to hit .228 with a .291 on-base percentage. The Brewers are in last place and are fielding calls for their players, including Segura. Segura has had a productive season, hitting .271 with 24 runs driven in. He would be an upgrade both offensively and defensively and could serve as a source of offense anywhere in the lineup.

4. Brayan Pena

Brayan Pena would bring immediate production to ineffective catching platoon

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4. Brayan Pena

Brayan Pena would bring immediate production to ineffective catching platoon — A huge part of the Rays’ offensive woes can be put on their catching platoon. Their catchers have combined to hit for a miniscule .174 on the season with a .218 on-base percentage. Pena could come in provide and offensive spark as he currently boasts an average of .292 and .359 on-base percentage. His ability to play both catcher and first base makes him an even more appealing target.

A huge part of the Rays’ offensive woes can be put on their catching platoon. Their catchers have combined to hit for a miniscule .174 on the season with a .218 on-base percentage. Pena could come in provide and offensive spark as he currently boasts an average of .292 and .359 on-base percentage. His ability to play both catcher and first base makes him an even more appealing target.

3. Josh Reddick

Oakland's rough season will lead to new home for Reddick

3. Josh Reddick

Oakland's rough season will lead to new home for Reddick — The Rays’ right fielders have failed to be effective this season, hitting .213 with a .298 on-base percentage. The Athletics currently sit 11 games back of first place in the AL West. They have already started fielding calls for Ben Zobrist and may now consider entertaining offers for Reddick. Reddick would provide the Rays with a player who can play defense and be productive offensively as well, hitting .288 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.

The Rays’ right fielders have failed to be effective this season, hitting .213 with a .298 on-base percentage. The Athletics currently sit 11 games back of first place in the AL West. They have already started fielding calls for Ben Zobrist and may now consider entertaining offers for Reddick. Reddick would provide the Rays with a player who can play defense and be productive offensively as well, hitting .288 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs.

2. Tyler Clippard

Oakland's rough season makes Clippard an attractive trade target for teams seeking bullpen arms

2. Tyler Clippard

Oakland's rough season makes Clippard an attractive trade target for teams seeking bullpen arms — Clippard has been an effective force in Oakland’s bullpen. In 33 games, he has posted a 2.60 ERA while holding opponents to an impressive .177 batting average. The Rays’ bullpen has shown signs of struggle at times, resulting in a 3.88 ERA on the season. Overall, they have been effective, but it would not hurt them to add another arm that can sit down batters like Clippard has thus far this season.

Clippard has been an effective force in Oakland’s bullpen. In 33 games, he has posted a 2.60 ERA while holding opponents to an impressive .177 batting average. The Rays’ bullpen has shown signs of struggle at times, resulting in a 3.88 ERA on the season. Overall, they have been effective, but it would not hurt them to add another arm that can sit down batters like Clippard has thus far this season.

1. Adam Lind

Lind can provide a boost to the Rays' first base platoon numbers offensively

1. Adam Lind

Lind can provide a boost to the Rays' first base platoon numbers offensively — The Rays’ first basemen have proven they can produce runs. The issue is that they also have shown they struggle getting hits and getting on base as they have collectively hit .227 and accumulated a .283 on-base percentage. The Brewers’ eight-game winning streak was ended last night, and they now find themselves 19.5 games back in the NL Central. Lind would provide a spark immediately to a first base platoon that needs some help.

The Rays’ first basemen have proven they can produce runs. The issue is that they also have shown they struggle getting hits and getting on base as they have collectively hit .227 and accumulated a .283 on-base percentage. The Brewers’ eight-game winning streak was ended last night, and they now find themselves 19.5 games back in the NL Central. Lind would provide a spark immediately to a first base platoon that needs some help.

Chad Troyan is a baseball and football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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