Hot Stove League Review: Rays

We'll wrap up the Hot Stove League series with one of the most interesing teams in MLB.  The Rays have a penchant for making deals that leave analysts scratching their heads but which seem to pay off in the end.  There were more moves and more head scratching around the Hot Stove this winter.  Key Moves:

Free Agent Losses:  Avisail Garcia(OF), Travis d'Arnaud(C), Eric Sogard(IF), Guillermo Heredia(OF), Jesus Aguilar(1B), Matt Duffy(3B).

Free Agents Signed:  Yoshitomo Tsutsugo(3B/OF).

Trades:  Acquired Hunter Renfroe(OF) and Xavier Edwards(IF) from the Padres for Tommy Pham(OF) and Jake Cronenworth(IF/RHP).  Acquired Jose Martinez(OF/1B), Randy Arozarena(OF), and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick from the Cardinals for Matthew Liberatore(LHP), Edgardo Rodriguez(C) and Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.  Acquired Manuel Margot(OF) and Logan Driscoll(C/OF) from the Padres for Emilio Pagan(RHP).  Acquired Cal Stevenson(OF) and Peyton Battenfield(RHP) from the Astros for Austin Pruitt(RHP).  Acquired cash and a PTBNL from the Reds for Jose DeLeon(RHP).  Acquired Brian O'Grady(1B/OF) from the Reds for cash and a PTBNL.  Acquired Curtis Mead(IF) from the Phillies for Cristopher Sanchez(LHP).

Minor League Free Agents:  Kevan Smith(C), Aaron Loup(LHP), Chris Herrmann(C), Dylan Covey(RHP), Sean Gilmartin(LHP), Ryan LaMarre(OF), Brooks Pounders(RHP), Aaron Slegers(RHP), Deck McGuire(RHP), John Curtiss(RHP), Johnny Davis(OF), D. J. Snelton(LHP).

Summary:  Lots to unpack here.  The Rays have depth layered upon depth so it's not completely clear how all these moves help much.  I like the Renfroe trade as he has elite power and is younger/cheaper/controlled longer than Tommy Pham, plus they got an interesting prospect in Edwards.  I don't see the point of giving up a possible future ace in Liberatore for players they don't really need.  Pay attention the the names you don't recognize going forward.  The Rays have a long history of turning those players into value.

Grade:  B.