Richie

Shaffer

The deal isn’t officially signed yet, but he’s expected to get a bonus in the range of $1.7 million, which is right in line with the $1.725 million slot recommendation for the No. 25 overall pick. Shaffer was regarded as one of the top college bats in this year’s draft class. While he’s blocked by Evan Longoria at the big league level, some scouts believe he’ll end up at first base or in right field.

Shaffer was selected 25th overall out of Clemson in last month’s MLB Amateur Draft. The 21-year-old corner infielder has major power potential and should rise swiftly through the Rays’ minor league system. The deadline to get deals struck is Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Perhaps this year’s top college power bat, Shaffer can play either corner infield spot, but will likely be slated for first with Evan Longoria occupying the hot corner in Tampa. Shaffer has the athleticism to man right field if need be. A polished hitter with relatively few holes in his swing, there’s a strong chance Shaffer will reach the big leagues.

Shaffer had hit .227/.335/.351 in 102 games this season at Triple-A. He carries no fantasy relevance.

Shaffer is taking the place of Ryan Garton on the active roster. He’ll provide a useful right-handed bat off the bench for the Rays.

Shaffer has seen just three major league at-bats this season. He did not pick up a hit in that brief window. Now heading to Durham, the 25-year-old first baseman will return to a .227/.335/.351 Triple-A triple-slash (102 games).

Shaffer has seen minimal work with the Rays this season, but he did record two hits -- including a double -- in seven at-bats. The 25-year-old infielder will return to Triple-A for the time being, but could return in a week when rosters expand.

Shaffer had two brief stints with the Rays last month and now he’s back as a bench player for the stretch run. The 25-year-old batted just .226/.329/.365 with 11 homers over 118 games in Triple-A this season.

The 25-year-old Shaffer has showed power potential in the minor leagues but has hit just .213/.310/.410 with five homers, 10 RBI and a 50/15 K/BB ratio in 142 plate appearances at the big league level. He’ll have a chance to compete for a bench spot on the M’s Opening Day roster.

Shaffer has been DFA’ed as the corresponding roster move following the Mariners’ trade for Chris Heston. The 25-year-old first baseman has largely struggled at the major league level when given opportunities, slashing .213/.310/.410 with a quintet of homers and 10 RBI. He has whiffed 50 times in 142 plate appearances in the bigs. The Mariners initially acquired him in a mid-November trade with the Rays.