Rays' Kiermaier, Archer not considering requesting trade

The Tampa Bay Rays have been active in recent days, trading big-league assets in Jake Odorizzi and Steven Souza Jr., while designating Corey Dickerson for assignment.

These moves have furthered speculation of a rebuild that seemed inevitable after trading Evan Longoria to the San Francisco Giants in December. Despite the apparent teardown, remaining Rays stalwarts Kevin Kiermaier and Chris Archer told the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin that they aren't about to request trades.

This may come as a surprise in Kiermaier's case, as he was "very upset" following Dickerson's and Odorizzi's exits.

Related: The Rays need to embrace the tank and deal Archer

The two added they're taking a positive approach entering the season, and they think the team can still be competitive.

If the Rays did move Kiermaier and/or Archer, it would signal a full-on rebuild as they are projected to be the team's most productive players, according to FanGraphs.

General manager Erik Neander said Tuesday that the Souza trade was not an attempt to cut more payroll, and that the team now plans to "add a little bit."