Report: Rays evaluating Indians' Encarnacion, Diaz

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to evaluate several bats reportedly available via trade, including Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and corner infielder Yandy Diaz, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.

Encarnacion, 35, signed a three-year, $60-million deal with the Indians prior to the 2017 season. The slugger is due $21.67 million next season and has a $25-million team option for 2020 with a $5-million buyout, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Encarnacion is coming off a down year at the plate during which he posted an .810 OPS over 137 games - his lowest mark since 2011.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Diaz has 88 career games at the major-league level spanning the past two seasons. Over 299 plate appearances, Diaz possesses a .283/.361/.366 slash line with one home run and two stolen bases. The right-handed hitter is under team control through the 2024 campaign.

The Rays currently have Ji-Man Choi at designated hitter and Jake Bauers at first base after non-tendering C.J. Cron. Diaz can also play third base, though Tampa Bay currently has Matt Duffy at the hot corner.