The Tampa Bay Rays' left-handed reliever, Garrett Cleavinger, is attracting trade interest from rival teams, but should they consider a deal? The 31-year-old's impressive numbers have caught attention, and with the Rays' open-minded approach to trades, a move could be on the cards.
As Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic reports, multiple teams are inquiring about Cleavinger's availability. The southpaw has been a consistent performer since joining the Rays in 2022, posting a stellar 2.96 ERA across 152 relief innings. But here's where it gets intriguing: his 2025 season was a standout. With a 2.35 ERA, a 33.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.4% walk rate over 61 1/3 innings, Cleavinger's performance was far from a fluke.
His Statcast metrics were impressive, and he even benefited from some good fortune with a low BABIP and a high strand rate. The question is, will the Rays capitalize on his high value?
Despite his age, Cleavinger's 2025 performance suggests he could be a valuable asset for the upcoming season and beyond. The Rays, known for their willingness to trade, might be tempted, but there's a catch. Cleavinger is the only left-handed reliever projected for their bullpen, and with a lack of depth in that area, they'd need a superb offer to part ways.
Adding to the complexity, the Rays don't have a designated closer for the 2026 season, and Cleavinger is one of several pitchers expected to earn save opportunities. His left-handed specialty could be crucial for situational work. And this is the part most people miss: with a modest salary and potential arbitration raise, he's a bargain for the Rays if he maintains his form.
As the trade rumors swirl, the Rays must decide if they're willing to part with a reliable reliever who could be a key piece in their bullpen puzzle. Is it a risk worth taking? The comments section awaits your thoughts on this potential trade scenario.
