The Yankees and Mets are among at least five teams that have inquired on Rays outfielder Manuel Margot, one of the players most likely to be traded this offseason.
The Yankees’ interest is a renewal of a pursuit they had at the trade deadline when Tampa Bay made the veteran righty hitter available but ultimately did not move him.
But the expectation this offseason is that Margot will definitely be traded.
The Rays need to prune salaries and Margot is owed $10 million for 2024 — the most currently for a Tampa Bay position player.
He also has a $12 million 2025 option or a $2 million buyout.
He is expendable for Tampa Bay because it has a starting outfield of Jose Siri in center flanked by Randy Arozarena and Josh Lowe.
Margot, who turned 29 in September, is a complementary piece.
He can defend and run but has had just one above-average OPS-plus in his career (in 2022).
In 2023, he had a .686 OPS with four homers and nine steals. Margot also has been on the injured list in each of the past four seasons.
For the Yankees, Margot would offer center-field insurance in case they do not land someone such as Cody Bellinger or Kevin Kiermaier — lefty hitters and superior defenders who fit the Yankees’ needs better.
For the Mets, Margot would provide a depth piece and particularly insurance as Starling Marte, 35, attempts to rebound from an injury-destroyed 2023 season.
The Athletic first reported the Yankees’ interest this offseason.