As the clock struck 'midnight' at the trade deadline, the Rays struck a deal sending Matt Moore to the Giants to receive their injured third baseman Matt Duffy in return, along with two prospects. There are ways for this deal to work out for the Rays, but the easiest way is for Duffy to be an above average position player for the next 4+ years in a Rays uniform.
Finances played a role as they always do when you are working on a tight budget like the Rays and Matt Moore is scheduled to make seven million dollars through an option that was going to be picked up by whoever is Moore’s employer for next season.