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The Rays and Angels have swung a deal that will send outfielder Matt Joyce to Anaheim in exchange for reliever Kevin Jepsen, as reported by Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports. We first reported earlier today that the Rays were discussing Joyce with multiple clubs, and that a trade could be coming soon.
Joyce, 30, will likely be the Angels' main designated hitter for next season. He will provide corner outfield depth for the Angels, who are currently slated to have Josh Hamilton and Kole Calhoun patrolling the corner spots with Colin Cowgill serving as a backup. Joyce appeared in 140 games for Tampa last season, but seems to be entering a reduced role with his new team in his final season before free agency.
Joyce hit .254/.349/.383 with nine home runs and 52 RBI for the Rays last season, and is a lifetime .250/.342/.441 hitter in seven major league seasons with the Tigers (2008) and Rays (2009-2014).
Jepsen, 30, has been with the Angels since breaking into the majors in 2008, compiling a 3.94 ERA in that time. He was 0-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 74 appearances for the Halos last season, and will join ex-Angels teammate Ernesto Frieri in a revamped Rays' bullpen that also includes Grant Balfour and Brad Boxberger as setup men for closer Jake McGee, who recently underwent elbow surgery.