3 possible trades Dodgers-Rays could strike
These teams love each other, but, so far, not enough to do business together.
Over the past few months, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays have been linked to each other regarding a potential trade here and there.
However, the two sides have yet to pull the trigger.
With so much to offer on both sides, here's a look at three trades both teams would benefit from making.
Dodgers receive: Logan Forsythe
Rays receive: Charlie Culberson
With free agents Justin Turner and Chase Utley vacating their roles at third base and second base, respectively, the Dodgers would be wise to chase down Logan Forsythe. The 29-year-old can play both positions, and is worth the price of admission. He's owed $8.5 million next season with a team option or buyout in 2018.
In return, the Rays would get Charlie Culberson, who broke out after missing the 2015 season due to a back issue. Culberson could play shortstop in favor of Matt Duffy, who underwent season-ending Achilles surgery, or he could slot in at third base.
Dodgers receive: Chris Archer
Rays receive: Kike Hernandez, Ross Stripling
If the Dodgers were ever going to trade for a starting pitcher by the name of Chris Archer, it's now. The right-hander might be a year removed from finishing top-five in Cy Young voting, but he's far from that these days. Archer went 9-19 and while he didn't get much run support, this trade could very well happen.
Tampa Bay has a history of letting go of starters for a moderately low price. The Rays would receive Kike Hernandez and Ross Stripling, a serviceable outfielder and a right-hander who showed well in his first season with the Dodgers. In the past, Tampa got rid of Jeremy Hellickson in 2014 for two players who never made it to the majors, and this year gave up Matt Moore for Duffy and prospects.
Dodgers receive: Evan Longoria
Rays receive: Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, Alex Wood
This would be the blockbuster of the offseason, and the Dodgers would love to be part of it.
Los Angeles would trade for Evan Longoria, which makes sense for both sides. Economically, it works for the Rays because he's coming off a great season, but he has six years and $100 million left on his contract. He would also fill in for Turner, who vacated third base.
The Rays would get Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, and Cody Bellinger in return.
It's no secret the Dodgers can live without Puig, especially with Andrew Toles coming up the ranks. Wood has the ability to start or come out of the bullpen, while Bellinger, the Dodgers' top prospect, is blocked by Adrian Gonzalez at first base and could play myriad positions for the Rays.