Tampa Bay Rays Trade Mikie Mahtook to the Detroit Tigers for Player to Be Named Later

Late Wednesday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays announced they have traded former first round pick, Mikie Mahtook, to the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The Rays selected Mahtook with the 31st overall pick during their infamous 2011 draft. Mahtook made his major league debut during the 2015 season and eventually homered for his first major league hit. However, he struggled during his first sips of coffee in the majors, and spent most of the season with the Durham Bulls.

After being selected during the September call-ups in 2015, Mahtook made sure to make an impression as he slashed .353/.397/.706 with 6 HR over 24 games during the final month of the season. Unfortunately, that success was short lived as Mahtook’s struggles returned in 2016 as he did well in Durham, but failed to replicate that in the majors, plus he dealt with some time on the disabled list.

The Rays felt Mahtook was expendable with their recent acquisitions of Jason Coats and Mallex Smith, as well as Colby Rasmus whose deal has not yet been made official. With Mahtook heading to Detroit, the Rays 40-man roster now stands at 39.

The Rays still would need another spot however, as they are reportedly close to a deal with Shawn Tolleson, and they still need to make the Colby Rasmus signing official.