Trade talks between the Tampa Bay Rays and other teams will be resolved by this afternoon’s 4:00 o’clock deadline for non-waiver deals.
Chris Archer has been the biggest topic of conversation for GM’s Erik Neander and Chaim Bloom, although the Rays have also had discussions about C Wilson Ramos, RHP Sergio Romo, and SS Adeiny Hechavarria.
Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) the team said Monday media access to the clubhouse on Tuesday, which normally is 3-4 p.m. for a 7:10 game, would be moved up to 2:45 to 3:35, which will clear the clubhouse of reporters ahead of what could be dramatic or final moments, with a player summoned to manager Kevin Cash’s office and his teammates reacting.
What follows is our annual Rays trade deadline thread, which will be updated throughout the day. Be sure to refresh your browser.
10:30 AM Update:
Source: #Padres pursuit of Chris Archer has lost momentum, although circumstances could change in coming hours. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2018
11:00 AM Update: The Rays struck a deal to acquire outfielder Tommy Pham from the St. Louis Cardinals. The team will send outfielder Justin Williams, southpaw Genesis Cabrera and right-hander Roel Ramirez to St. Louis in exchange for Pham and international bonus allotments.
BREAKING: Here’s the deal, no Archer involved. But #Rays likely have more coming today: https://t.co/8RWkqqdbXj
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Tommy Pham’s relationship with the #STLcards took a hit when the team renewed his contract for $570K in the spring. He expressed his displeasure at the time. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people in St. Louis. He should benefit from a fresh start with the #Rays.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 31, 2018
While Tampa Bay adding pieces may raise eyebrows since the team is firmly out of the AL East race, and are fringe contenders in the AL Wildcard picture, Pham is under control for another three seasons beyond the 2018 campaign. The outfielder will be arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason and is not eligible for free agency until after 2021, making him an affordable long-term piece to help the Rays move back into a contention from this point forward, along with the young core built around Blake Snell, Jake Bauers, Willy Adames and others.
The right-handed hitting Pham has slashed .271 BA/.365 OBP/.463 SLG/.828 OPS/.358 wOBA/.193 ISO/124 wRC+ in 1284 career plate appearances over parts of five seasons with St. Louis. He has fallen off dramatically from his 2017 campaign, in which he performed to a 6.1 fWAR with a .306 BA/.411 OBP/.520 SLG/.931 OPS/.398 wOBA/148 wRC+/.214 ISO slash line — with 23 home runs, 73 RBI, and 95 runs — but the Rays do not believe that was a fluke. Rather it is felt that his underlying numbers this season indicate his overall performance is close to last season’s numbers.
11:30 AM Update:
#Rays officially announce Pham trade with #Cardinals, as we reported. Corresponding move to add Pham to 25-man roster still to come when he reports.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Despite earlier Pham deal, talks between #STLCards and #Rays are “ongoing” for starter Chris Archer, says source
— Ken Rosenthal (@grobot05) July 31, 2018
12:00 Update:
Good acquisition for #Rays getting Pham after strong 2017. Hasn’t performed nearly as well this year, however Rays FO believes he’s better than his numbers. I agree, only real differences is walking less, K’ing more, and he’s been more pull friendly in 2018. Also wRC+ 👀 #MLB pic.twitter.com/ljmo6pGQuV
— Ian Bozsnyak (@bozsnyak) July 31, 2018
Relevant point:
Why would the Rays pursue Tommy Pham, whose OPS is down 200 points from last season? He still hits the ball about as hard as anyone on the regular. pic.twitter.com/ws5iqzawQh
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2018
12:30 Update:
Just speculating here, but hearing #Rays Ramos’ hamstring issue hasn’t impacted trade interest, seeing #Nationals GM saying they are keeping team intact and reading @clarkspencer post on #Marlins not having any talks today on Realmuto …. Maybe a DC reunion after all?
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Scout on #Pirates trade target #Rays RHP Chris Archer: “I think he might rebound to somewhat close to his previous levels but I wouldn’t give up a trade package for someone who is a No. 1 starter because he isn’t a No. 1 starter.” #MLB
— John Perrotto (@JPerrotto) July 31, 2018
The #Rays deal for Pham is a sign that they are starting to look at offense differently. Two seasons ago they hit a lot of homers but lamented they were just solo homers, claiming it was bad timing. Reality was they had no one on base when they homered, it wasn’t bad timing
— Steve Phillips (@StevePhillipsGM) July 31, 2018
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the #Rays DFA’d, or traded, Carlos Gomez in order to make room for Tommy Pham on the 25-man roster.
— X-Rays Spex (@XRaysSpex) July 31, 2018
1:30 Update:
Clarification: Source: There is no deal in place at this time involving Chris Archer. #Rays are presently working through their options…several teams still in mix with no clear favorite at this hour…..as offers have been improving. Now just 2 hours and 40 mi#MlbTradeDeadline
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) July 31, 2018
#Rays engaged on multiple fronts with strong potential for several more deals to come today. @JimBowdenGM has #Braves emerging as Archer favorites. Evaluators w/other teams had tabbed them, too. Also #Brewers, #Dodgers, #Pirates, #Yankees, others? https://t.co/mZvEEf9C3S
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Sources: Phillies and Rays are deep into talks on a deal for Wilson Ramos.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2018
Sources: #Brewers, #Braves, #Pirates all strongly in mix for Archer, with #Dodgers and others potentially lurking. If bidding is indeed as furious as it sounds, the #Rays have played this exactly right, taking it to the last day, trying to extract maximum value.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2018
2:00 Update: Accurate
Ah, the #TradeDeadline. The one day of the year MLB talking heads remember, “Oh yeah, the Tampa Bay #Rays are a MLB team”. #RaysUp
— Jon Mintert (@KSHEJon) July 31, 2018
The Chris Archer trade talks with #Rays is slowing up Matt Harvey market. Teams have to find out first whether they can land Archer before turning to backup plans
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2018
Imagine how #Rays fans felt after they learned the “h” in Pham is silent! This is Peter Gammons.
— Fake Peter Gammons (@FakePeteGammons) July 31, 2018
2:30 Update:
We’re hearing Wilson Ramos to the #Phillies is close. Hold up could be depending on if #Rays are including another player in a deal (i.e. Hechevarría, Romo) #BeBold
— Underground Sports Philadelphia (@UndergroundPHI) July 31, 2018
“I’m shocked on all fronts,” Tommy Pham said in story coming soon to @stlToday. “I’m just disappointed, too. I wanted to give more. I wanted to give more, from a playing perspective. I had an opportunity here. They gave me a chance.”
Plans to be in #Rays lineup Wed. #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 31, 2018
New #Rays Outfielder Tommy Pham was “shocked” to hear he was leaving the #Cardinals. #RAYSUP #STLCARDS pic.twitter.com/i5ljZjMLfQ
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) July 31, 2018
2:45 Update:
#Rays have been trying and have been successful in creating a bidding war for Archer that has priced out some teams. Belief is that the #Yankees don’t believe he’s worth the cost that some NL teams are offering because his stuff plays better in the national league. https://t.co/0PAAU80I4X
— Karim (@kareezysports) July 31, 2018
Best response I’ve received regarding what the Braves might do today: “They are kicking a (expletive) ton of tires, I know that.”
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 31, 2018
The Rays and Phillies are on the verge of a trade involving C Wilson Ramos.
#Rays working through some issues to try to get Ramos deal done with #Phillies
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Ramos from #Rays to #Phillies is close. @JonHeyman had 1st. Hear it is not a big return.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
Source confirms to @juanctoribio of The Athletic: #Rays trade Ramos to #Phillies. First to report serious talks: @JeffPassan.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2018
Archer trade remains likely. #Braves #PIrates #Brewers the main contenders. #Rays
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
3:00 Update:
#Rays are getting a player to be named for Ramos #phillies
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
Hearing #Rays getting a player to be named later from #Phillies for Ramos. Why doesn’t the player have a name yet?!!!! Was he raised by wolves un the wild? This is Peter Gammons. #MLBTradeDeadline
— Fake Peter Gammons (@FakePeteGammons) July 31, 2018
3:20 Update:
Sources: #Braves have been in talks with #Orioles on Gausman. As @danconnolly2016 said, O’s have a deal in place, pending medicals. If it’s Gausman – and if trade is completed – would reinforce perception Archer might go to #Pirates, as @Buster_ESPN and @Joelsherman1 said.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2018
3:30 Update:
If #Rays deal Archer to #Pirates return could include Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow, per @JimBowdenGM
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
FWIW, Austin Meadows is the Pirates No. 1 prospect according to MLB Prospect Watch, while Tyler Glasnow could be plugged right into the Rays rotation.
Well … #Rays may have that Archer deal https://t.co/I4HmRinqCz
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
Hearing all future #Orioles vs #Rays games will be played by kids in little league uniforms with those names on it. Really great way to promote the game of #MLB! I like it! This is Peter Gammons. #MLBTradeDeadline
— Fake Peter Gammons (@FakePeteGammons) July 31, 2018
BREAKING: Under deal being finalized, #Rays trade Archer to #Pirates for Glasnow, Meadows and a still being decided 3rd piece
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2018
— Jason Collette (@jasoncollette) July 31, 2018
#Rays are unlikely to trade Romo, they will probably end up DFAing Hechavarria. They could not find a market for him. They want to play Adames at SS.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2018
#Rays’ return on Chris Archer from the #Pirates:
-Austin Meadows, 23, CF, .292, .468 slug%, 13 RBI, 5 HR in 49 games with PIT
-Tyler Glasnow, 24, RHP, 11.6K per 9 innings 4.34 ERA in 56 IP (34 games)
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) July 31, 2018
I'm really bullish on the future of Austin Meadows and I can't believe the #Pirates gave him up…along with Glasnow. Glasnow can pitch out of the pen until he can improve his overall command and control. Still very young. This was a terrific deal for the #Rays. Terrific IMO.
— Bernie Pleskoff (@BerniePleskoff) July 31, 2018