Freelance MLB: Mariners Sign Robbie Ray to Five-Year, $115 Million

NS Seattle Mariners reportedly close to reaching an agreement with American League winner Cy Young Award Robbie Ray, as first reported by MetsMerized’s Michael Mayer. CBS Sports HQ’s Jim Bowden confirmed that Ray’s contract will be for five years and worth $115 million, with an option to opt out after the third season.

Ray, a left-hander who celebrated his 30th birthday in October, authored a perfect 2021 season. In 32 starting with Toronto Blue Jays, he accumulates 2.84 ERA (154 ERA +) and hit rate 4.77. He entered the league which was ranked by CBS Sports as the sixth best free agent on the market. Here’s what we wrote at the time:

Ray is both the author of one of the most dramatic twists and turns in recent memory. He’s gone terrible in 2020 after changing arm activity, walking almost a hitter per inning and looking much taller than someone of his size should do. He recovered by increasing his fast ball usage and by challenging the hitters in the area more, be it in the middle or in the inner half. God, that went well. His lack of track record makes him an entirely risky signing: the risk is that he might not come back as good as this; The bonus is that, if that’s the case, he’ll provide a lot of surplus value to the contract he signs this winter.

Ray is the first senior free agent to sign with the Mariners since signing with Robinson Canó prior to the 2014 season. Seattle is making a surprising 90-72 effort that has kept them in the air. until the last day of the season. The Mariners have not performed after the season since 2001.

Ray will spin before a spin that includes Marco Gonzales, Chris Flexen, and Logan Gilbert. The Mariners also have some young talent just starting to get close to majoring, including Matt Brash, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock. Factor in some of their young giants – the forerunners Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodríguez – as well as the condition of the part ( Astros is likely to be lost Carlos Correa; NS Olympic are set to dismantle their cores; and so on) and clearly the Mariners saw an opportunity.

The Blue Jays recently signed Kevin Gausman, a move that suggests they will switch from Ray.