Report: Rays discussed Bryant-Kiermaier, Glasnow-Kimbrel trades
The Tampa Bay Rays were ready to potentially trade two of their best-known players as part of a pair of major deals before last week's deadline.
Tampa Bay was willing to part with ace Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier in separate deals for Craig Kimbrel and Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
The Rays discussed trading Kiermaier and prospects to the Windy City for Bryant, as well as a larger deal centered around Glasnow and Kimbrel.
The talks extended into Friday, the day of the deadline. Chicago asked for top prospects to take on the remainder of Kiermaier's contract and because Glasnow is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, but the Rays were unwilling to part with any of Wander Franco, Vidal Brujan, Josh Lowe, Taylor Walls, or Shane Baz, Rosenthal reports.
Kiermaier is owed the remainder of his $11.5-million salary in 2021, another $12 million in 2022, and he has a $13-million team option for 2023 with a $2.5-million buyout. Glasnow is set to miss a good chunk of playing time before he hits free agency in 2024.
Ultimately, Bryant and Kimbrel were traded to the San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Rays settled for depth trades last Friday, including the additions of reliever Shawn Armstrong and outfielder Jordan Luplow after acquiring slugger Nelson Cruz from the Minnesota Twins one week prior.