Rays showing interest in Steve Pearce

The Rays have shown interest in re-acquiring free agent 1B Steve Pearce if healthy, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

The right hander performed well for the Rays last season, slashing .309/.388/.520 in 232 PA while providing above average 1B defense before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline. Pearce underwent successful elbow surgery in September with an original timeline to be ready for the start of the 2017 regular season.

Pearce's right-handed bat would be a welcome addition to the Rays lineup that lacks impact righties outside of Evan Longoria, Logan Forsythe and Matt Duffy. He would likely provide the short side of a platoon at first base, while also getting plenty of DH and pinch-hit opportunities.

MLB Trade Rumors projects the 33 year old to receive something like a 2 year / $10M deal, but that is going to depend entirely on his health.