The Rays found a taker for OF/DH Corey Dickerson, trading him Thursday to the Pirates for veteran reliever Daniel Hudson, minor-league INF Tristan Gray and $1-million cash.
Hudson, 30, will compete for a spot in the Rays bullpen, coming off a rough season with the Pirates, going 2-7, 4.38 in 71 appearances. He is making $5.5 million.
GM Erik Neander said the Rays feel they can work with Hudson on some adjustments to improve. He also made it clear that Gray, a 2017 draft pick out of Rice, was a key part of the deal, noting his smooth lefty swing and potential to move to shortstop.
Dickerson was designated for assignment last week, coming off a season when he hit his way into the All-Star Game but slumped badly in the second half. He is making $5.95 million.
Neander also said the decision to DFA Dickerson was difficult and not something Dickerson deserved, but it allowed the Rays to expedite process of making a trade by establishing a clock.