Rays make Matt Joyce available on trade market

The Rays have made outfielder Matt Joyce available in trade talks and have discussed him with other clubs, according to a report from FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi. It is unclear how aggressive the Rays are in their shopping of Joyce, but it appears as though they are at least listening to offers.

Joyce, a Tampa native, hit .254/.349/.383 with nine home runs and 52 RBI in 140 games for Tampa last season. He has seen his numbers decline since his All-Star season in 2011, and has thought to be a trade candidate with only one year remaining before free agency.

Sources have indicated that the Rays have been engaged in serious trade talks with the Rangers in recent days, with a deal coming very close to fruition before the review of medical records scuttled it at the last minute. It is unknown if Joyce was part of the scuttled deal or not, though he would definitely be an upgrade in left field for Texas, who currently has Jake Smolinski slated to be the starter at the position.

Other teams who could take a look at Joyce include the Padres, Astros and Mariners, who are all on the lookout for outfield help and have been linked to available names like Justin Upton, Evan Gattis and Matt Kemp. The trade market for outfielders is very crowded, and names like Melky Cabrera and Colby Rasmus are still available in free agency.