Tampa Bay Rays reach World Series through smart trades and signings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 00:32 · Archive

The Tampa Bay Rays won the American League championship with a roster built largely through trades and budget signings rather than high spending.

The Tampa Bay Rays clinched their third pennant with a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Two-time All-Stars Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz, both acquired from Cleveland in separate trades, each hit two-run homers to seal the victory.

The Rays' roster was built primarily through shrewd trading and low-cost acquisitions. Of their 26-man Championship Series roster, only three players were drafted by the team: outfielder Chandler Simpson (second round), left-hander Ian Seymour (second round) and shortstop Taylor Walls (third round). First baseman Jonathan Aranda was an international signing. The team acquired 16 players through trades, four in free agency, one as a minor league free agent and one as a Rule 5 pick.

The team opened the season with a payroll of $90.5 million, the 26th highest in the majors, demonstrating that winning can be achieved through smart management rather than high spending. The Milwaukee Brewers, their World Series opponents, had the 19th-highest payroll as of August 31. The first World Series game is scheduled for Friday night.

How it is being reported

• AL champion Rays were mainly built by wise trades and low-cost signingsThe Tampa Bay Rays were built into American League champions through savvy trades, budget-friendly signings and an organizational strength in identifying, developing and maximizing talent.Clickorlando · 21 Oct, 00:01
• AL champion Rays were mainly built by wise trades and low-cost signingsThe Tampa Bay Rays were built into American League champions through savvy trades, budget-friendly signings and an organizational strength in identifying, developing and maximizing talent.News4Jax · 21 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Tampa Bay Rays · Cleveland Guardians · Milwaukee Brewers · Erik Neander · Kevin Cash · Junior Caminero · Yandy Díaz

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