Rays' 'dream' trade target is All-Star, Gold Glove infielder from Astros

Jul 09, 2026 - 14:05

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Rays' 'dream' trade target is All-Star, Gold Glove infielder from Astros originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are five games ahead of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East.

They have a really strong chance to win their division and make a deep postseason run.

But the Rays may need at least one addition to their lineup. Currently, Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero are their three main sluggers.

ESPN's Jeff Passan proposes adding a hitter with leadoff qualities, as the Rays rank 25th in on-base percentage.

While Passan named Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants as the best trade match for Tampa Bay, he also tabbed Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena as a "dream" match.

"Houston is not inclined to move Peña -- yet -- and though Taylor Walls does play a mean shortstop defensively, his lack of pop leaves room for an upgrade if at some point the Astros do decide to deal Peña before he hits free agency following the 2027 season," Passan wrote.

Walls is a terrific defender but is a career .199 hitter.

The Rays would get the best of both worlds with Peña, though the Astros may be hesitant to move the 28-year-old and 2022 World Series MVP.

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Expect the Rays to make at least one external addition to their lineup at the trade deadline.

Even if they don't land Pena, Arraez, a much-improved defender with incredible leadoff hitter qualities, is out there for the taking.