Rays Add Houser, Jax, Trade Caballero in Deadline Moves

The Tampa Bay Rays made multiple moves before the MLB trade deadline, acquiring starting pitcher Adrian Houser from the Chicago White Sox and reliever Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins to strengthen their pitching staff for a playoff push. Houser, who posted a 2.10 ERA over 11 starts with the White Sox after a stint in Triple-A, is expected to provide rotation depth, though advanced metrics suggest a possible regression. The White Sox received infielder Curtis Mead and pitching prospects Ben Peoples and Duncan Davitt in exchange for Houser, continuing their rebuilding efforts. Jax, known for his high strikeout rate despite a 4.50 ERA this season, is anticipated to bolster the Rays' bullpen if he returns to form. Additionally, the Rays traded infielder Jose Caballero to the New York Yankees during a game against the Yankees. These moves highlight the Rays’ aggressive strategy to secure a postseason spot and the White Sox's focus on future talent.