Rays reportedly want to trade for 'impact hitter' at one of three positions

The Tampa Bay Rays are sitting atop the AL East as July rolls along, and with under am onth to go until the MLB trade deadline, their needs are taking shape.

Tarik Skubal and other starting pitchers have been linked to the Rays, and for good reason. This team could use another starter. The bullpen is always a need for contenders. But the Rays have some other needs.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rays reportedly want to trade for an "impact bat" at one of three positions this summer: Catcher, second base, or in the outfield.

Rays seeking 'impact bat' at C, 2B, or OF

"In addition to pitching, the Rays want to add an impact hitter to complement Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, and Jonathan Aranda," Rosenthal writes. "Could be at second base. Could be in the outfield. Could be at catcher."

The Rays are seeking upgrades at catcher, second base, and in the outfield this summer, according to this report. But, they're not looking for defense. The Rays want to land an impact hitter this summer.

This report from Rosenthal comes amid linking the Rays to Minnesota Twins slugging catcher Ryan Jeffers. The New York Yankees are also interested, so a bidding war could come to fruition for Jeffers between these AL East contenders.

Looking to second base, the Rays could make a move for Luis Arraez, the San Francisco Giants second baseman who's turned his career around, showing surprisingly good defense this season, and more high-profile offense.

MORE: Rays trade idea sends top-10 prospect in MLB to Tigers for Tarik Skubal

The outfield is the best area to target in searching for an impact bat, as there is sure to be plenty of good options available this summer.

Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak of the Colorado Rockies, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels, Bryon Buxton of the Twins, and Jung Hoo Lee of the Giants are a few players who could be on the move this summer.

The Rays might even be involved in the trade markets for AL East outfielders Taylor Ward of the Baltimore Orioles and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. It's not likely due to the in-division nature of a deal, but it's not impossible either.

But, with the deadline less than a month away, the Rays want to add to their offense, with the outfield, second base, and catcher as the three positions where such an upgrade could occur this season.

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• Blue Jays trade idea swaps two top-10 prospects to Mets for Freddy Peralta