MLB Trade Rumors: Execs 'Circling' Rays' Randy Arozarena, Díaz, Lowe amid Struggles

Teams are reportedly planning to target outfielder Randy Arozarena, first baseman Yandy Díaz and second baseman Brandon Lowe in trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported teams are hoping they can "buy low" on the Rays' most expensive players given the team's last-place standing in the AL East.

Arozarena is in the midst of his worst professional season. He's hitting .175/.283/.319 with eight home runs and 20 runs batted in through his first 65 games. While Arozarena has two years of arbitration remaining, he's already earning $8.1 million this season and will be well into eight figures in 2025.

Díaz has regressed mightily from his breakout 2023 campaign, putting up a disappointing .258/.328/.358 slash line with four home runs and 29 runs batted in. The 32-year-old's regression from his 22 home runs last season was expected—he'd never hit more than 14 in a season any year prior—but his .258 batting average is the second-worst of his career.

The Rays have Díaz under contract at manageable numbers in 2025 ($10 million) and 2026 ($12 million), but he's still a trade target given his underperformance.

Lowe carries a $10.5 million club option for the 2025 season and has not done much to impress this season. He's spent most of the season on the injured list and is slashing .205/.313/.398 when he's in the lineup.

Rival teams clearly think a change of scenery will help turn things around, but it's fair to wonder whether the Rays will balk at selling low on players wildly underperforming their means.