The Tampa Bay Rays won’t be selling off their All-Star closer haphazardly.
According to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on Monday, the Rays are receiving inquiries for Alex Colome, but their asking price is high because they believe they have little chance of contending without him.
Sources: #Rays getting inquiries on Colome, but setting price they believe is appropriately high. Only slim chance to contend without him.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2016
An up-and-coming ninth-inning man on a bargain of a contract that runs through 2020, Colome tied for fourth in the American League with 37 saves in 2016. He also posted a 1.91 ERA and 71 strikeouts in his 51 appearances.
Amongst the teams who have registered interest in Colome is this National League club that is still hunting for a closer. But the Rays are understandably reluctant to part with him even if they probably won’t be contending either way after going 68-94 last year and not doing much during Winter Meetings.
