Rays rumors: Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger drawing interest

A few days ago, Jerry Crasnick reported that the Rays were "getting a lot of hits on relievers Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee". Both pitchers drew significant trade interest in July as well, but Tampa was reluctant to move either one. However after the package that A.J. Preller was able to extract for Craig Kimbrel, the Rays will surely want to see what they could get in return for one of their relievers.

While Crasnick didn't initially report on who was calling Tampa about Boxberger and McGee, he's now linked three teams to both relievers.

#Dodgers, #Nationals and #Dbacks are among the teams interested in #Rays relievers Brad Boxberger/Jake McGee.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 16, 2015

Of this group, the Diamondbacks likely have the biggest need to upgrade their bullpen, but the Nationals and Dodgers could also use help. Arizona ranked 21st in reliever fWAR, while Washington and Los Angeles were 12th and 8th, respectively. The Dodgers' figure is slightly misleading however, as Kenley Jansen and Pedro Baez accounted for 62 percent of LA's cumulative fWAR.

According to Marc Topkin, the Astros and Tigers have also expressed an interest in both relievers. However at this time, the Rays don't seem motivated to move one, seeing the benefits of the tandem that, at least for 2016, is still relatively inexpensive". After a season in which they finished 80-82 despite an incredibly long list of injuries, Tampa doesn't need a drastic reboot.

Topkin suggests that unless the Rays were blown away by an offer, they'll likely hold onto both relievers. Barring an injury, they could revisit these talks in July if they're out of the playoff race, and still negotiate a strong return due to the years of control that remain on Boxberger and McGee's respective contracts.