MLB trade rumors: Rays, Marlins ‘optimistic’ about finalizing Adeiny Hechavarria trade

The Rays and Marlins are “optimistic” about finalizing a trade that will send shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria to Tampa Bay on Monday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Nightengale reports that “fringe prospects” would go to Miami in the deal.

Miami has known to be shopping Hechavarria for a few days, with Tampa Bay emerging above the Cardinals, Orioles and Padres as the clear favorite over the weekend. The Rays would add Hechavarria as a defense-first option alongside Daniel Robertson and Tim Beckham in the middle infield with Matt Duffy and Brad Miller currently on the disabled list.

One potential issue between the teams at this point is Hechavarria’s salary, as he is earning $4.35 million this season and is under control for 2018 as well. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the Rays may ask the Fish to throw in a “cheap, power arm” in any trade involving the shortstop, speculating that reliever Kyle Barraclough could be an option.

Hechavarria, 28, is set to return from a disabled list stint after aggravating a left oblique strain and is unlikely to appear in the majors with Miami again. The Marlins plan to use J.T. Riddle and Miguel Rojas (who is also injured) as cheaper middle infield options for the rest of the year.