*Photo from MSN*
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed RHP Michael Wacha to a one year deal, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The deal is worth $3 million for the 2021 season. Wacha reportedly had a chance to sign a more lucrative deal with a different team, but ended up choosing for a lesser amount of money, and for just one year. The Rays have confirmed the deal.
Rays pitching coach Kevin Snyder spoke about the chance to work with Wacha next season, saying that "This is a proven guy and he’s not that far removed from being really good. And if you look beneath the surface last year, he was really good, what would he have been had he gotten 26 starts? I’m thrilled. I think he’s going to be a huge piece for us."
Indeed, Wacha did struggle with the New York Mets in 2020, pitching to a 1-4 record with a ballooned 6.62 ERA, throwing 34 innings and striking out 37 hitters in 8 appearances, 7 of which were starts. In Wacha's 8 year major league career, Wacha has a 60-43 record with a 4.01 ERA and 901 2/3 innings pitched, totaling 173 appearances, 158 of which were starts. Before signing with the Mets, Wacha spent his previous 7 seasons with the St.Louis Cardinals.
Wacha spoke about his 2020 season, despite the surface numbers showing a struggling pitcher. Wacha said that "I feel like the ball is coming out really nice, I feel like each year I’ve been taking strides with my stuff getting better, each pitch is spinning a little bit better, and I get a little bit more command over each one. I’ve been really happy with that, but the results haven’t been what I’ve wanted as well. So I try not to damper the mental side of the game and stay strong through it and keep working, keep learning how to get better."
Rays GM Erik Neander said of signing Wacha that "Michael was a priority target for us for several reasons, our need for pitching and length in particular is something that is well-documented. Michael is going to help us in that regard."
Indeed, the Rays do need another starter, especially after losing Charlie Morton to the Braves in free agency, and Wacha should be able to compete for a rotation spot. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ryan Yarbrough are locks for the rotation, especially if Snell doesn't get traded. The other two rotation spots are up in the air, with Wacha, John Curtiss, Shane McClanahan, and the rehabbing Brenden McKay in the mix for the two spots.
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