Because the Rays suck, and getting a really good CF'er (Rafaela) under team control for the rest of the Century at bargain basement Rays prices plus a top 25 ranked SP'er in Tolle and a ranked SS prospect is 3 for 1. Soto is an high ceiling guy, too. Granted Cammy is a God. I doubt the Rays would say yes, but don't think the offer is outlandish.

Let’s try a different approach. When the Nationals traded Soto, they got back top prospects capable of becoming stars. Do you think anyone in this trade is a current or future star? Rafaela is a solid CF defender (probably a 2-3 fWAR player most years), but he has a weak bat and his trade value is heavily based on being under contract for 7 more years at low contract rates. Tolle is a good pitcher but he only has 1 plus pitch according to MLBP. I’m not betting against him but mid-rotation SP looks like his ceiling. Then there are the SS prospects. Arias is good overall but lacks power and that will forever hold him back. Soto looks good but he’s so far away he’s not someone to get super excited about when trading someone like Cammy. Long story short, this trade has some meat and potato players but there’s no sizzle. No stars or potential stars. Just a bunch of guys the Rays can find in their own farm or off the street most years with minimal effort.