Rays - Nationals

[Ben (Rays GM)]

Rays receive:
OF Eloy Jimenez 2.0 million (4th year)
OF Cedric Mullins 2.0 million (4th year)

Nationals receive:
STL 2023 first round pick
TB 2023 first round pick
TB 2023 fifth round pick

I've been treading water with (and somehow thriving despite) all these injuries, but needed a little breathing room, especially in OF which allows me to take advantage of some other multi-position flexibility. Mullins doesn't help with the injuries right now but Eloy does, and hopefully Mullins will be back when it matters most. Looking forward toward next year I love adding both OFs (especially Mullins who was a top fantasy bat heading into 2023) to allow me to plug Betts in at SS to replace the departing Seager.

Thanks for the talks Alex, good luck in the draft - looks like you've put together a nice haul of picks to go nuts with!

[Alex (Nationals GM)]

Confirm

[Oren (Diamondbacks GM)]

I really don't understand this deal from Alex's perspective and would like to start some conversation around it. You're two veteran owners so I want to understand the rationale behind it first.

Mullins and Eloy are both cost controlled for 3 playoff runs and have 2.5 years left on their contracts. They both almost 100% will net a comp around pick 40ish given their value in this format.

Trading Mullins and Eloy plus 95%+ chance at picks in the 40-45 range (down the line) for picks 23 and 24, plus a 5th just doesnt add up to me. Can you speak more onto your rationale behind it Alex?

[Alex (Nationals GM)]

I’ve gaged interest around the league and Mullins and Eloy just haven’t gotten much. I’m not looking for comp picks 4 drafts from now I’m looking for prospects now to help rebuild my farm system in what is a very deep draft in my opinion.