Next 8 games could determine Rays’ 2025 trade deadline direction
Will the Rays buy or sell at the trade deadline?
TAMPA — On paper, the next eight games for the Tampa Bay Rays may look like just another stretch in the marathon of a 162-game season. In reality, they could decide the fate of the Rays’ 2025 campaign.
The MLB trade deadline looms at 6 p.m. on July 31, and under President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander, the Rays have earned a reputation for being active — whether buying or selling — during deadline week.
The pressing question: Will Neander choose to buy or sell?
Recent history shows that Tampa Bay’s moves at the deadline hinge heavily on how the team is performing in the weeks leading up to it. The Rays typically only buy when they’ve created separation in the standings.
In 2021, with the club 18 games over .500, the Rays acquired designated hitter Nelson Cruz. He didn’t have a memorable stint in Tampa Bay, but he helped push the team to an AL East title. In 2023, when the team was 20 games over .500, they traded for starter Aaron Civale and went on to win 99 games and make the playoffs. Though neither Cruz nor Civale became franchise cornerstones, the message was clear: the front office believed in those teams.
Even in 2022, when the Rays were just six games over .500, they opted to buy, acquiring outfielder David Peralta in a smaller-scale deal aimed at a playoff push.
But when the Rays hover around .500, the front office often opts to sell — and sell big.
The 2018 season provides a textbook example. Sitting near .500 at the deadline, the Rays traded away key players including Chris Archer, Nathan Eovaldi, Matt Andriese and Wilson Ramos. In return, they acquired names that would shape the next era of Rays baseball: Tommy Pham, Austin Meadows, Tyler Glasnow and Shane Baz. The team didn’t contend that year, but those moves laid the groundwork for future success.
Last season’s 2024 deadline served as a tough reminder of how quickly things can pivot. The Rays, struggling to stay above .500, shipped off core players including Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Zach Eflin and Jason Adam in a clear move to retool for the future.
That brings us to this year.
The Rays enter Tuesday at 52–49 with a 5–11 record in July. Their performance over the next eight games will likely determine their direction. It could mirror the buying mindset of 2022 or repeat the retooling strategy of 2024.
Tampa Bay hosts the Chicago White Sox for two games before heading on the road to face the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees for three games each before deadline day.
If the Rays stay competitive, they could look to bolster their roster, starting with bullpen depth. The bullpen ranks 11th in MLB in ERA but has struggled lately. Right-hander Manuel Rodríguez, who leads the unit in ERA, was recently shut down from throwing.
The Rays could also look to add a right-handed bat to balance their lineup. Tampa Bay is hitting just .234 against left-handed pitchers this season, ranking 19th in the league. An outfield upgrade with pop from the right side could help.
But if the team falters, it may be time for another reset. Veterans like Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe and Pete Fairbanks — all over 30 — could attract significant interest. Starting pitchers Zack Littell and Taj Bradley have also reportedly drawn attention from other clubs.
The next eight games won’t just affect this year’s playoff hopes — they’ll shape the franchise’s future. Whether Tampa Bay doubles down for a run or looks to retool, the coming week could define the 2025 Rays season.