TB and KC Trade

[Rays GM (Bailey)]

Tampa Bay sends:
Framber Valdez, SP (HOU) - 24: $12.8M; 25: ARB
Mickey Moniak, OF (LAA) - 24: $0.7M
Joey Loperfido, OF (HOU) - Prospect
2024 Minors Draft Pick 2.26

Kansas City sends:
Coby Mayo, CI (BAL) - Prospect
Chase DeLauter, OF (CLE) - Prospect
Cole Young, MI (SEA) - Prospect
2025 Minors Draft 3rd Round Pick
Rafael Montero, RP (HOU) - 24: $6M, 25: $6M

Tampa Bay Logic:
Huge trade here. I did not set out to move Framber, especially since starting pitching is what I am targeting this off-season. However, this trade helps me retool my roster after a disappointing finish in 2023. I have been trying to acquire Coby in this league since Day 1 (and regret not accepting the original offer of him for 1 draft pick years ago) so I am happy to receive him as the headliner. I also like adding DeLauter here after I regrettably traded him in WLB. It is tough to move Framber, someone who has been such a key cog in my team’s success these past 3 years, but I am willing to roll the dice on this package of prospects.

Nice talks with Jonathon; welcome to the league! Thanks and good luck!

[Royals GM (Jonathon)]

I accept.
It was difficult to pull the trigger on this trade, as I'm giving up 3 Top 100 prospects (arguably Top 75). I'm not as high on Young as others but i know he's a good value piece - losing Mayo/DeLauter could hurt down the road for sure. I think Mayo could be the ultimate best player involved in this trade before it's all said & done. As a new Manager, I want to add my touch to this roster. I'm an Astros fan, & keen on Framber. 2023 wasn't his best year, but still pretty good (he still got CY votes) & I think he's an Ace - immediately my best SP on the roster. Decent contractual value. I like Moniak, although I'm not sure what his real role is - hoping he's more than just a platoon guy. Still young enough to piece things together, & he seems to be adding power. Loperfido intrigues me as a power-speed prospect. Montero was added to balance out the contract budgets. Pick swaps to finish it off.
Pleasure talking trade w/Bailey as usual. Appreciate the patience, as I was a bit stingy on moving Mayo+DeLauter in the same trade. Good luck, man!