Report: Odorizzi drawing more interest than Archer; 5 teams inquired
The Tampa Bay Rays' pitchers and catchers are set to report for their first workout Feb. 14, but it's possible at least one notable arm will be with a new team by then.
Right-handed starter Jake Odorizzi has reportedly generated more attention on the trade market than teammate Chris Archer, with the Rays receiving inquiries from at least five clubs, a major-league source told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
The Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs are reportedly among the teams, though it's unlikely the Cubs still have interest following the reported signing of Yu Darvish on Saturday.
Tampa Bay has a number of young arms on the verge of reaching the majors, making Odorizzi expendable. The 27-year-old is coming off a year in which he went 10-8 with a 4.14 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings. He's under team control through next season and will earn either $6.3 million or $6.05 million depending on his arbitration hearing scheduled Monday.
While the Rays have received reported interest from the Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals on Archer at different times this winter, he said last month he's confident he won't be moved.