The Tampa Bay Rays finally addressed the void in their rotation left by the departure of All-Star Charlie Morton. The team announced late last week that they’ve signed right-hand pitcher Michael Wacha, bringing in the veteran on a one-year deal.
Wacha, who spent the last season with the NY Mets, will reportedly earn $3 million in salary next season.
According to MLB.com, Wacha had more lucrative offers from other MLB teams but wanted to come to Tampa Bay in the hope that he’d have a bounce-back campaign after inconsistent performances in 2020. The 29-year-old slinger made seven starts with the Mets and posted a 1-4 record with 6.62 ERA and 37 strikeouts.
The Rays, on the other hand, jumped on the opportunity to add a former All-Star and get some veteran presence at a low cost.
“Michael was a priority target for us for several reasons,” Rays general manager Erik Neander told MLB.com. “Our need for pitching and length in particular is something that is well-documented. Michael is going to help us in that regard.”
Michael Wacha made his MLB debut with St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 and immediately delivered a strong outing that saw him receiving the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award. Wacha followed this up with an All-Star nod in 2015 but struggled to keep that level of play due to frequent injuries.
Wacha’s MLB stats include a 60–43 record, 4.01 ERA, and 796 strikeouts.
