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1 More Signing Rays Can Make To Complete Their Roster

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Sam Leweck | Last updated 11/29/21

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a lot of noise this offseason.

Although their 2021 season didn’t end the way they were hoping it would, the Rays are making it very clear that they’re here to stay.

This offseason has been a smashing success for the club so far.

The organization is still looking for its first World Series championship, but it might not be too long until it gets one.

Already, the team figures to be a major factor in the 2022 title race.

But if the Rays want to become even bigger threats to win it all next season, they’d be wise to add one more starting pitcher.

After signing Corey Kluber, the team’s projected rotation looks a lot better than it did before, but there are still some question marks.

By inking another rotation arm, the Rays would look like a much more complete squad on paper.

Here’s one starter who comes to mind as a viable option for Tampa Bay to sign.

Rich Hill

Rich Hill and the Rays have some history together.

In fact, the two sides worked together this past season.

Hill made 19 starts for Tampa Bay in 2021 before being traded to the New York Mets in a move that baffled some folks.

The southpaw gave the Rays some quality innings before the trade went down.

Over his 19 starts with the club, he posted a 3.87 ERA.

After he was traded, he was able to maintain a similar mark with the Mets, as he registered a 3.84 ERA over 13 outings with New York.

Rich Hill sidearms a 67 mph slider to get Nolan Arenado swinging pic.twitter.com/tJ5EE1Zc4E

— SNY (@SNYtv) September 14, 2021

Hill is 41, but it seems like he still has some gas left in the tank.

The veteran has quietly been a very productive arm for several years.

Since the start of the 2014 season, he has managed a 3.15 ERA, 129 ERA+, 3.67 FIP, 1.11 WHIP, and 10.0 K/9.

That’s a span of 143 outings (mostly starts).

Hill realistically isn’t going to be a staff ace anywhere he goes, but he’s more than capable of giving a team some quality production as a middle-of-the-rotation arm.

Rich Hill, 75mph Curve and 89mph Fastball (tunnel) pic.twitter.com/yKAHZbt9wl

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 26, 2017

He’s still looking for his first career World Series title, and if he wants to get one before he runs out of steam, he should probably join a contender this offseason.

Would the former fourth-round pick be interested in the idea of a reunion with the Rays?

Would the Rays be interested in the idea of a reunion with him?

Only time will tell.

Wrap-Up

The Rays are known for thinking outside the box, especially when it comes to pitching.

Who knows if they’re even planning on using a five-man rotation in 2022?

Anything is on the table when it comes to Tampa Bay.

But if the club is planning on using a five-man staff, then it would make sense to add one more piece.

Hill could be that guy.

It wouldn’t be a flashy signing at all, but it would be an effective one.

Moreover, he’d likely come at a very low price.

That’s always a plus.

Who says no?

1 More Signing Rays Can Make To Complete Their Roster https://www.thecoldwire.com/more-signing-rays-can-make-to-compete-their-roster/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 07:10:43 +0000MLBTampa Bay Rays Rumors And News (Updated Daily)Tampa Bay Rayshttps://www.thecoldwire.com/?p=43355

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a lot of noise this offseason. Although their 2021 season didn’t end the way they were hoping it would, the Rays are making it very clear that they’re here to stay. This offseason has been a smashing success for the club so far. The organization is still looking […]

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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