Perhaps the most puzzling part of the Rays decision to trade Evan Longoria on Wednesday, was a certain part of the return.
The Rays acquired top prospect, Christian Arroyo, who will slot in with the Rays top 10 , making the team’s already stacked system even better. They also received two not-so-bad lottery ticket arms in the low minors.
However, in order to obtain those prospects and complete the deal, the Rays also had to take outfielder Denard Span and all of the salary that is owed to him in 2018, plus at least $4 million for a buyout in 2019.