The New York Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays rivalry is just one more reason Major League Baseball is unmatched.
The two clubs could not operate more differently. The Yankees have never met a problem in their franchise’s history that they couldn’t throw money at, while the Rays have never done anything but penny-pinch. But they’re both so good at what they do that the rivalry is evenly matched.
Being a Rays fan is most frustrating when the good players are being sent away. There’s blind faith at this point that the players Tampa Bay gets in return will work out as big-leaguers, but it still hurts to see some of your favorites walk away. And there’s nowhere Rays fans would rather see a former player go less than the Bronx.
In that vein, one recent proposed blockbuster trade between the two sides is sure to raise some eyebrows.
On Tuesday, Jacob Mountz of FanSided named Rays first baseman Yandy DÃaz as a possible upgrade at first base for the Yankees over 2024 starter Anthony Rizzo. Accordingly, Mountz suggested that the two sides could work out a trade to save the Rays from paying DÃaz’s $10 million salary.
“In 2023, Diaz hit .330 with 22 home runs, winning a Silver Slugger and a batting title. Diaz has hit for an on-base percentage north of .400 three times (including the shortened season of 2020) and has never posted an OBP lower than .340,” Mountz said.
“Diaz is signed through 2025 with a club option for 2026. He will make $10 million next season and is set for $12 in 2026… All things considered, Diaz would make an excellent addition to the Yankee lineup.”
DÃaz, 33, had a down year by his standards in 2024, but that still equated to a .755 OPS/116 OPS+. Outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, DÃaz would have arguably been the third-best everyday hitter on this year’s Yankees squad, combining production and availability.
There shouldn’t be any reason for the Rays to trade DÃaz in what could be his final year with the club, but the Rays always tend to trade those players. Even if he makes it through the winter, Tampa Bay would be guaranteed to shop him during the regular season unless they were firmly entrenched in a playoff spot.
