Hot-Stove: Rays Trade Ben Zobrist to Athletics with Yunel Escobar (Updated)

According to multiple sources, Matt Silverman is reportedly close to dealing both of the Rays starting middle infielders, Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar, to the West Coast Rays — the Oakland Athletics.

Hot-Stove: The Rays Have Had Discussions with Colby Rasmus

By now you’ve heard the rumors, the Tampa Bay Rays have had discussions with free-agent outfielder Colby Rasmus. Jon Morosi was the first to break the news via Twitter, adding Tampa Bay could use Rasmus’ bat if they trade Ben Zobrist.

Hot-Stove: Four Teams Listed as Potential Trade Suitors for Zobrist

By this point, most of you are well versed in the trade rumors swirling around Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar. In short, with the $8M acquisition of Asdrubal Cabrera, paired with the presence of middle-infield depth represented by Nick Franklin and Logan Forsythe, someone will be dealt somewhere — that is, unless the Tampa Bay Rays plan to lean upon Cabrera as the primary DH. The question remains, who may be going where?

Poll: Who Will Get Traded — Ben Zobrist or Yunel Escobar — and Why?

As the title suggests, because the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Asdrubal Cabrera earlier in the week, it’s easy to assume that someone in the middle infield will be shipped elsewhere prior to Opening Day. The question is, who — Yunel Escobar or Ben Zobrist?

Hot-Stove: Rays to Acquire INF Asdrubal Cabrera

Charlie Wilmoth (MLB Trade Rumors) is reporting that the Rays have signed 29 year-old middle infielder Asdrubal Cabrera. Though all the specifics of the contract have not been announced, the initial reports have pegged the acquisition as a one year deal, which would typically require a higher dollar amount hence the $8MM figure Joel Sherman reported earlier.