MLB Rumors: Rays Outfielder Garnering Plenty of Trade Interest

The Tampa Bay Rays have maintained their contender status over the years through a series of astute moves—trading players at the right time, and for the right calculated return. One of the mainstays of the Rays' recent successful run has been center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. Before the lockout, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays took a number of calls from teams interested in the defensive whiz. 

The 3-time Gold Glove winner can still go get it with the best of them in CF, and teams will have to provide some value in return if they're to pry him loose from Tampa. 

There are a couple of things that could portend a potential trade. First, is that Kiermaier is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract at $12M, with an added club option of $13M for 2023. The Rays, of course, are always looking for ways to keep costs down, so exchanging the 31-year-old now for a nice, cost-effective prospect return could be attractive for them. 

In addition, the Rays have a top OF prospect, Josh Lowe, who's ready for the majors, and could step in for Kierrmaier, providing essentially the same tools: speed, arm and defense. 

Kiermaier himself sees the potential writing on the wall. According to Topkin, he acknowledges that the uncertainty of his future in Tampa Bay “is real, now more than ever.” 

Expect Kiermaier talks to pick up again when baseball business resumes after the lockout.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports