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The New York Yankees have expressed some interest in trading for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, although the talks haven't been in advanced stages. Kiermaier, who is an excellent defensive center fielder, is owed $12 million in the 2022 season. The 31-year-old also has a $13 million club option with a $2.5 million buyout for the 2023 campaign. Kiermaier is expendable with the Rays having two low-cost center field options in Manuel Margot and Brett Phillips. While Kiermaier's glove is attractive, he's been a league-average hitter and has played more than 129 games in a season just once in his nine-year career. He finished 2021 with a .259/.328/.388 slash line, a .716 OPS, four home runs, 37 RBI, nine stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 390 plate appearances over 122 games played.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had trade discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, according to two leagues sources, and the fit is a logical one. If Kiermaier were traded, the Rays could slide Manuel Margot to center field. Kiermaier is scheduled to make $12 million next season, and he would count for an $8.9 million average annual value for luxury tax purposes. He turns 32 next April, and while he doesn't hit for much power, he remains an elite defender in center field. The Athletic's Matt Gelb lists the A's Ramon Laureano, Arizona's Ketel Marte, Baltimore's Cedric Mullins and Pittsburgh's Bryan Reynolds as other potential trade options as the Phillies look to address their center field need this offseason.
The Tampa Bay Rays signed left-hander Brooks Raley to a two-year deal worth $10 million on Monday. The deal includes an option for a third season. Raley will give the Rays a much-needed left-handed bullpen arm after the team parted ways with Ryan Sherriff, Cody Reed, Adam Conley and Dietrich Enns in the last month. Raley had a 4.78 ERA but struck out 65 hitters and walked only 16 in 49 innings over 58 appearances for the Houston Astros last year, and he also had two saves. The southpaw had just a 21.5% hard-hit percentage, and left-handed hitters batted only .195/.262/.221 with 35 strikeouts, four walks and two extra-base hits in 85 plate appearances against him. The 33-year-old doesn't throw hard, but he finished with scoreless outings in 11 of his last 12 outings of the season and had a 1.93 ERA in 21 games after July 28.
Free-agent right-hander Corey Kluber agreed to a one-year deal, pending a physical, with the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, according to sources. The 35-year-old missed more than three months with a right shoulder strain before rejoining the New York Yankees in late August of the 2021 season. When he was available, Kluber was solid, though, posting a 3.83 ERA in 80 innings pitched, including a no-hitter. His experienced arm will complement young starters Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Luis Patino and Shane Baz next season. If the deal is finalized, Kluber will make $8 million, with the chance to earn up to $13 million through incentives. If healthy, the three-time All-Star and two-time American League Cy Young winner could be a nice value in fantasy drafts.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Brendan McKay (shoulder) underwent thoracic outlet syndrome decompression surgery Tuesday, according to an announcement from the team. Per the announcement, "McKay will focus on rehabbing as a pitcher ... with the expectation that he will resume throwing no later than early February." The fourth-overall pick in the 2017 draft out of Louisville, McKay owns a 5.14 ERA and 4.03 FIP in 49 career Major League innings. Tampa Bay's current rotation options for next season include Shane Baz, Luis Patino, Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Yarbrough, and Tommy Romero.