Rays Rumors: Outfielder Jonny DeLuca and Pitchers Shane McClanahan, Ryan Pepiot Discussed in Trade Scenarios

The Tampa Bay Rays are considering reshaping their roster by potentially making center fielder Jonny DeLuca available for trade this offseason, as reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The move would clear center field for Victor Mesa Jr., who impressed in right field this past season. DeLuca is coming off a productive year where he batted .266 with 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases across a career-high 370 plate appearances, while providing elite speed and defensive range.

Alongside DeLuca, the reports suggest that starting pitchers Shane McClanahan and Ryan Pepiot could also draw trade interest as they approach the arbitration window. McClanahan, a former ace, is entering his final arbitration year with a projected $6.6 million salary following a season where he posted a 3.36 ERA over 24 starts. Pepiot, under club control for two more seasons and projected at $3.1 million, is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training after missing the previous year recovering from right hip surgery.

Tampa Bay faces looming rotation adjustments with Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta heading to free agency. Meanwhile, Drew Rasmussen is set to anchor the pitching staff in the final year of his deal after securing his second consecutive top-10 Cy Young finish, with the front office intending to keep their ace for the upcoming season.