Andrew Buller-Russ
All 30 teams have different goals heading into the August 1 MLB trade deadline. The Tampa Bay Rays are clearly buying, and the Cleveland Guardians seem to have no trouble selling. Now it’s led to Aaron Civale being on the move.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rays are sending top-hitting prospect Kyle Manzardo to the Guardians in exchange for starting pitcher Aaron Civale.
- Tampa Bay Rays trade: 1B Kyle Manzardo
- Cleveland Guardians trade: SP Aaron Civale
The Rays had been searching for a way to improve their starting rotation ahead of the deadline and Civale provided a quick solution. Civale, 28, has started 13 games this season and has a 2.34 ERA, striking out 58 batters across 77 innings. He’s signed through the season but will be eligible for arbitration until 2026.
Most importantly, he’s an immediate improvement for a group of pitchers that already ranks second in the AL in team ERA at 3.81 heading into Monday. With how consistent Civale has been, the hope is he can add even more depth to the back end of the rotation.
Yet, adding Civale didn’t come at a low cost. The Rays had to part with first baseman Kyle Manzardo, who’s ranked as the team’s fourth-best prospect at MLB.com. Manzardo, 23, is already at the Triple-A level and could be ready to help the Guardians soon.
He’s a left-handed slugger with the ability to hit for contact and power, having hit 11 home runs in 313 plate appearances in the minor leagues so far this season. Yet, Manzardo’s batting average has dipped from .327 down to .238 this season after making the leap from Double-A to the next level. But the Guardians will continue working with the young prospect before making his MLB debut in short order.
Related: Six MLB trade deadline ideas that could alter playoff picture
