The Tampa Bay Rays are a team that generally doesn’t spend big money on free agents. Instead, the team develops their own prospects they pick up from the MLB draft or the minor leagues. But this year, the Rays may break that habit as they look to fill out their bullpen with suitable options.
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Notably, the Rays have developed a number of pitchers in recent years, and have taken them from 4th or 5th starters to legitimate aces. This will help the Rays as they sign their newest pitcher on a big deal.
?The Tampa Bay Rays agree on a record deal with Zach Eflin
Per recent reports, the Rays have signed Zach Eflin on a 3-year $40 million deal. This deal will be the largest free agent deal in Tampa Bay history. ESPN’s Jeff Passan shared a Tweet confirming the news and the details of the Rays’ record-breaking deal.
Zach Eflin’s deal with Tampa Bay, as @Joelsherman1 said, is for $40 million over three years. It’s the largest free agent contract in Rays history. Eflin, 28, grew up in Orlando and will join Tyler Glasnow, Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen in a fantastic Tampa Bay rotation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2022
Eflin is reportedly considered a young starter with untapped potential and the ability to be a quality starter. And the Rays are widely considered one of the best, if not the best, at developing pitchers.
But fans are not fully convinced with the starting pitcher and have shown mixed reactions to the record-breaking deal. They even compared him with another free-agent ace Jacob deGrom.
Mid righty pitcher, going to be elite in TB suddenly
— Dave (@LonzoLobs) December 2, 2022
Jacob deGrom changed his name? 😁
— Jim Riley | BALLCAP Sports YT (@JimRileyLive) December 2, 2022
I liked Eflin when he pitched with the Phillies. Felt the then management tried to convert him to a power pitcher & failed miserably.
But $40 million? Wow— Joe Cappello (@JoeCappello3) December 2, 2022
A little steep for someone who can’t stay healthy but what do I know 🤷🏼♀️ also a little sad he’s leaving the phils tbh
— Stef DiMeglio (@stef_dimeglio) December 2, 2022
Wonder how Rays fans are going to feel when he goes on the 60-day IL in mid-April.
— 11th & Pattison (@11thnpattison) December 2, 2022
We wanted deGrom to Tampa
— ⭐️ (@BoltUpDerwin) December 2, 2022
wouldnt be surprised if they make him a cy young candidate
— C Mac (@mc__40) December 2, 2022
I understand what the rays do with pitching. But this one will be impressive to earn that deal. But I believe they will shock the world and make this and under value deal.
— Matt (@Braves4829) December 2, 2022
It remains to be seen whether this deal will be a good one or not. But in rather true Tampa Bay fashion, they have picked up a pitcher that looks like a proper developmental project.
Over the years, the Rays have mentored a number of young pitchers and helped them flourish at the highest level. This can also be the case with Eflin. And with the contract that the Tampa Bay Rays have given him, it looks like they consider him a 2nd or 3rd starter in the rotation.
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It will be very interesting to see how Eflin plays this upcoming season. And whether the Rays’ reputation as a team that develops pitchers proves to be true.
What did other teams offer Eflin?
Per Bob Nightengale, the Boston Red Sox offered Zach Eflin the same deal as the Rays. But Eflin reportedly chose Tampa Bay as he lives in nearby Orlando. In a Tweet, Nightengale said, “The Boston #RedSox offered the same contract for Eflin, but he lives in nearby Orlando, so #Rays had home-field advantage”.
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The home-field advantage and the Rays’ record with developing pitchers were probably very important factors in Eflin’s decision. Will Zach Eflin be another Rays’ success story or will he fall short of expectations? Comment below with your answers.
