Rays interested in Steve Pearce

The Rays are seeking right-handed hitting help following Friday’s trade with the Mariners and have “serious interest” in utilityman Steve Pearce, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times.

Toronto and New York are also reportedly interested in Pearce, who struggled after joining Baltimore.

Pearce signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay in January and had success, batting .309/.388/.520 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs over 60 games. However, he hit just .217 over 25 games with the Orioles.

Because Pearce received a one-year deal after batting .218 with the Orioles in 2015, he will likely receive a shorter-term contract again this winter. He has proven to be a versatile piece and played at first, second and third base with the Rays last season.

Tampa Bay is seeking right-handed hitting depth after trading Richie Shaffer to Seattle on Friday.

While several teams are interested in Pearce, he might not sign until the market develops with Yoenis Cespedes and Carlos Beltran off the board.