Rays Aiming High With Interest In 3 Big Name Players
Tampa Bay has expressed interest in a trio of impact names: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta, and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
The ambition is notable for a small-market club that typically operates on the margins of the trade market.
Zach Neto
Neto would be the splashy position-player addition.
The 25-year-old shortstop has developed into one of the better all-around players at the position, combining power, speed, and strong defense, and he comes with years of club control that make him far more than a rental.
“I think by the end of this deadline, Zach Neto might be the best player traded.” - via @JeffPassan.
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 28, 2026
Mentioned all the big markets possibly being in on this. Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, even the Phillies.
Angels want a “home run” return and Passan thinks it’s possible. pic.twitter.com/WB2Uy0182Y
That control is exactly why the Angels would command a massive return, and why any deal would be difficult to complete.
Freddy Peralta
Peralta is the rotation upgrade.
The two-time All-Star has been durable and effective for years, and after being acquired by the Mets ahead of this season, he could become available if New York's disappointing campaign pushes the club toward selling.
"The Mets have been talking with the Brewers about Freddy Peralta" 😲 👀@JeffPassan #Thisismycrew pic.twitter.com/vcmfKnuLvB
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) July 28, 2026
Peralta has expressed openness to an extension in the past, giving an acquiring team the chance to keep him beyond 2026.
His track record of eating innings and missing bats is exactly what a contender covets for October.
Tarik Skubal
Skubal is the crown jewel and the longest shot.
The reigning Cy Young winner is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, and while the Tigers have insisted he is not readily available, his name inevitably surfaces given his impending free agency after the 2026 season.
The cost to acquire him would be astronomical, likely gutting a farm system, and Tampa Bay would face steep competition from every contender in the league.
As of now, the Tigers are expecting Tarik Skubal to pitch tomorrow.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) July 28, 2026
A.J. Hinch: "The information I have is win the series."
Skubal, who is sitting on 999 career strikeouts: "I’m pitching tomorrow. I got something cool that I want to accomplish at home, so that won’t change."
The Rays expressing interest shows some real intent to make a big addition, even if landing any of these three would require Tampa Bay to push its chips in further than it typically does.
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