PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Major League Baseball's July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline means one of two scenarios for each team: You're either a buyer or a seller.
What will the Rays be in 2017?
In order for the Rays to be in the preferred "buyer" category, they must be in contention. And to be in contention, the team's highly touted starting staff, led by Chris Archer, must live up to its billing, pitching the team deep into the game so manager Kevin Cash can use his bullpen more efficiently.
The Rays' defense must show improvement in order to assist the pitching.