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On the same day the Rays acquired first baseman Lucas Duda, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the team is “open to offers” on infielders Tim Beckham and Brad Miller. Crasnick states in another tweet that the team is not actively shopping either player, however.
After the recent additions of Duda and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, the team has a bit of an infield logjam, and is still in need of relief pitching, despite adding Dan Jennings from the White Sox earlier today. Thus, moving one of Beckham or Miller could return that much-needed bullpen arm, if the right offer surfaces.
Beckham and Miller have both missed time due to injury this season, and only Beckham has played well when on the field. Beckham has posted a .734 OPS to go along with 12 homers and five steals entering tonight’s game, while Miller has just a .672 OPS with four homers, a far cry from his lofty total of 30 in the 2016 season. Beckham provides valuable offense in place of Hechavarria, who’s much more of a glove-first player, and the Rays probably would rather not sell low on Miller. However, considering the cost just to get Jennings, Tampa may have to bite the bullet on trading one or both to improve their inconsistent bullpen.