5 Greatest Tampa Bay Rays Pitchers of All Time

Archer had a defining, multi-stint tenure with the Rays, establishing himself as one of the franchise’s premier strikeout pitchers. The right-hander earned American League All-Star selections in 2015 and 2017 and finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting in 2015.

Archer also became the first pitcher in Rays history to make four consecutive Opening Day starts, doing so from 2015 through 2018.

He ranks second in franchise history in strikeouts (1,167), second in starts (177), and fourth in wins (54), cementing his place among the most accomplished pitchers in Rays history.

4. Blake Snell (2016-2020)

Snell’s career with the Rays was highlighted by a historic 2018 season that earned him the American League Cy Young Award.

The left-hander went 21–5 with a 1.89 ERA and 221 strikeouts, setting a franchise record for wins in a single season and becoming the second pitcher in Rays history to win the Cy Young Award, following David Price in 2012.

Snell also played a key role in Tampa Bay’s run to the 2020 World Series. He will be remembered for his dominant performance in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he held Los Angeles to two hits and struck out nine over 5⅓ innings before being removed from the game in the sixth inning. The Rays ultimately lost the game 3–1, ending their season.

MORE: 5 Greatest Hitters in Tampa Bay Rays History

3. Scott Kazmir (2004-2009)

Scott Kazmir became the first true ace of the Rays franchise after arriving in a big 2004 trade with the New York Mets. He made his debut on Aug. 23, 2004, shutting out the Seattle Mariners over five innings and facing Ichiro Suzuki as the first batter of his MLB career.

Kazmir emerged as a frontline starter in 2005, going 10–9 with a 3.77 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 186 innings. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2006 before posting a 13-9 record with a 3.48 ERA and an AL-leading 239 strikeouts in 2007.

Kazmir was selected to his second All-Star Game in 2008 and played a key role in leading the newly rebranded Rays to their first American League pennant and World Series appearance.

2. James Shields (2006-2012)

Shields, nicknamed “Big Game James,” was one of the most accomplished pitchers in Rays history. He spent seven seasons with the franchise, becoming a dependable starter and a key part of the Rays’ rise to contention.

Shields helped lead Tampa Bay to its first American League pennant and World Series appearance in 2008. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in career wins (87), strikeouts (1,250), and innings pitched, cementing his place among the most important pitchers in Rays history.

1. David Price (2008-2014)

After being selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2007 MLB Draft, Price made his major league debut in September 2008. He spent seven seasons with Tampa Bay, going 82–47 with a 3.18 ERA and 1,065 strikeouts in 175 appearances.

Price played a key role in the Rays’ run to their first World Series in 2008, pitching out of the bullpen during the postseason and earning the save in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. He became a full-time starter in 2009 and earned three of his five career All-Star selections with Tampa Bay (2010, 2011, and 2012).

Price’s best season came in 2012, when he went 20–5 with a 2.56 ERA and became the first pitcher in franchise history to win the American League Cy Young Award. He also led the AL in ERA that season. The Rays traded Price to the Detroit Tigers during the 2014 season, ending his seven-year tenure with Tampa Bay.