Matt Watson Media

Just a few weeks ago, the Tampa Bay Rays were right in the thick of the American League East hunt. Battling with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, it felt like a three-team race with the Boston Red Sox on the outside looking in.

Unfortunately for Tampa, a cold spell has taken them out of the division race. The Rays sit 9.0 games back of the Blue Jays at the time of this writing and hold a 54-53 record.

Rays Deadline Plans

The Rays have always been a team that takes a unique approach to roster construction. After dealing the most players in the league at last season’s deadline, Tampa has now started to sell off talent again. Dealing catcher Danny Jansen to the Milwaukee Brewers was the start of what should be numerous trades for the Rays.

However, right after that move was announced, additional transactions took place. Tampa then would add veteran catcher Nick Fortes in a deal with the Miami Marlins. Essentially trading out Jansen for a higher prospect than what they dealt for Fortes.

The Rays have acquired 28-year-old catcher Nick Fortes. He ranks in the top 25% in both framing and Pop Time (1.92) while being a 90th percentile Blocks Above Avg player since 2023.

He’s also posted extremely low K and Whiff rates his entire career—a solid get.#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/0bNWxiLGDG

— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) July 28, 2025

This half-in, half-out move for Tampa could spell out what the club is looking to do before the July 31st deadline. Dealing expiring contract veterans and adding long-term solutions in return.

Players like Pete Fairbanks and Zack Littell could see themselves on new clubs by August 1st, fitting with the mold Tampa has crafted over the years. Fairbanks should catch the Rays a solid return, especially with the closer market starting to shrink. Jhoan Duran and David Bednar are the other back-end options expected to be moved before 6 pm on Thursday.

Copycat League

Professional sports have always proven to have a copycat mentality. What works for other teams is often tried by clubs who are looking to model their success. Tampa has nearly perfected the “Moneyball” practice first popularized by Billy Beane and the then Oakland Athletics.

Tampa constantly moves players before their value decreases, trying to capitalize on a player when they can get the most out of them. Oftentimes, the Rays’ predictions for a player’s future prove to be spot on. The running opinion in the sport was to not trade with Tampa Bay, as they often won most of their deals.

Will other teams follow suit with a half-in, half-out approach this year? With Thursday approaching quickly, it is time for baseball executives to earn their paychecks.