An unexpected late night trade seems to be in the works, with news that the Rays have acquired Logan Forsythe from the Padres for Alex Torres in a four-player deal:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As others have said, Forsythe deal to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&src=hash">#Rays</a> not finalized. Agreed upon.</p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/statuses/425864875340857344">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Forsythe headed to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&src=hash">#Rays</a> in 4-player deal. Torres is likely involved, according to sources. Seems to be 2 to TB, 2 to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a>.</p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/statuses/425862342060933120">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>According to sources, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&src=hash">#Rays</a> are acquiring Logan Forsythe from the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a> in a 4-player trade: <a href="http://t.co/na52R70VH3">http://t.co/na52R70VH3</a></p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/statuses/425860118681374720">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The trade is likely to be announced on Friday, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.
As we reported yesterday, the Padres had received calls from "a number of teams" who were interested in acquiring the versatile Forsythe. Jon Morosi of FOXSports.comnoted that the Yankees were a realistic destination for him before the Rays became aggressive in recent days.
In 75 games in 2013, Forsythe hit .214 with 6 HR and 19 RBI in his third major league season. . The 27-year old appeared at five positions-third base, shortstop, second base, left field, and right field-for the Padres last year and will likely serve as a super-utility player for Tampa next year. He is a lifetime .241 hitter with 12 HR and 57 RBI in 228 career games.
Torres, seems likely to be headed to the Padres, who have been pursuing left-handed relief help in recent weeks. The 26-year old was 4-2 with a 1.71 ERA in 58 innings with the Rays last season, and will join a Padres bullpen that already added Joaquin Benoit earlier in the offseason.
We'll keep you updated as more details are revealed...
10:47
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source: If Rays-Padres deal goes down as expected, it will involve at least five players.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/statuses/425865184914055168">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10:50
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/jonahkeri">@jonahkeri</a> It's a multi-player deal...Forsythe is the only one I know for sure, with Torres "likely".</p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/statuses/425868004547522560">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10:55
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Totally guessing here, but San Diego would be a nice soft landing for Jeremy Hellickson.</p>— Joe Sheehan (@joe_sheehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_sheehan/statuses/425869371626360832">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>