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Rays Should Think Twice Before Trading Shane McClanahan This Offseason
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- Rays Should Think Twice Before Trading Shane McClanahan This Offseason
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Rays will have some important decisions to make this offseason, especially when it comes to their starting rotation.
And while the organization is already facing uncertainty surrounding Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta, another important pitcher could potentially be on the move.
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According to CBS Sports , Shane McClanahan has been identified as one of MLB's potential trade candidates heading into the 2027 season.
"McClanahan's long and labored comeback from Tommy John surgery was finally realized this past season, and he turned in a strong age-29 campaign for the Rays," CBS Sports writer Dayn Perry said.
"These, though, are the Rays, and McClanahan's forthcoming arbitration payday combined with his uncertain health history may prompt them to shop him to pitching-starved fellow contenders. He carries risk, of course, but there will no doubt be potential takers lining up for him."
CBS Sports also identified the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers as potential destinations.
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And while there's no indication Tampa Bay is actively shopping McClanahan, the possibility does raise some interesting questions.
Especially considering how much the left-hander contributed during the 2026 season.
McClanahan finished the regular season with a 3.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts across 118 innings.
Those numbers were certainly encouraging for a pitcher who had spent considerable time recovering from Tommy John surgery.
However, his injury history remains a concern, especially with McClanahan expected to receive an increase in salary through arbitration.
And that's where things could become interesting for Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander.
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Tampa Bay has never been afraid to make difficult roster decisions, particularly when established players begin earning more money.
If another organization is willing to offer several valuable players or prospects in exchange for McClanahan, the Rays would certainly have to consider the possibility.
However, trading him could also create additional problems.
Martinez recently entered free agency after Tampa Bay declined his $20 million mutual option for 2027.
Peralta is also entering free agency after an impressive postseason performance that included earning American League Championship Series MVP honors.
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And while the Rays have several talented pitchers throughout the organization, losing three important starting pitchers in the same offseason would be difficult to overcome.
Especially considering Tampa Bay is coming off its third World Series appearance in franchise history.
The Rays should be looking for ways to improve their roster and compete for another championship, rather than creating additional questions surrounding their starting rotation.
However, that doesn't mean Erik Neander should completely dismiss the possibility of trading McClanahan.
If another organization makes an offer that could significantly improve Tampa Bay's roster, it would certainly be worth considering.
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But after everything McClanahan went through to return to the mound, keeping him could be even more valuable.
Especially if Martinez and Peralta end up signing elsewhere.
And while Tampa Bay has consistently demonstrated its ability to make difficult decisions, trading McClanahan simply to avoid an arbitration increase wouldn't necessarily make sense.
The Rays already have enough uncertainty surrounding their pitching staff.
Keeping McClanahan for another potential World Series run seems like the better decision.
