When the 2017 season came to an end, a lot of talk was being had about the Rays blowing up the rotation in the off-season. Of course most knew RHP Alex Cobb would be heading to free agency.
He did…and is still unsigned.
Then there was the questions about RHP Chris Archer and RHP Jake Odorizzi. With Archer’s very team-friendly contract and control for another four years he was very attractive to just about any team…for the right price. Odorizzi is still awaiting the result of his arbitration but is also garnering attention.
Alas, spring training starts next week and both are still with the team. Both preparing to be in a Rays uniform come Opening Day. Surprisingly – that just might wind up being the case.
Heading into camp next week, here is what the rotation looks like (pending any blockbusters before then):
RHP Archer – The 29-year old struggled in September (1-5, 7.48 ERA) after a promising July/August. If he can keep the ball on the ground and out of the stands (57 HR in last two seasons) he could find himself in a breakout year.
RHP Odorizzi – The best pitcher in the rotation in September last season. Odorizzi was dominant (3-1, 1.03) in the final month. His 59 home runs allowed are most on the team in the last two seasons, however.
LHP Blake Snell – The lefty could have finally turned a corner in the second half of last season. After the All-Star break, Snell was arguably the Rays best pitcher (5-2, 3.49 in 14 starts).
RHP Jake Faria – In six starts before the All-Star break the rookie looked like a diamond in the rough. He went 4-0, 2.11 ERA before coming back down to earth after. If Odorizzi is traded, Faria could slide into the two-spot and thrive in his sophomore year.
RHP Nathan Eovaldi – The Rays could see him as their new long man in the bullpen but Eovaldi wants to start. He’s coming off Tommy John but has been a pretty reliable starter in his career. In 2014 with the Yankees, he went 14-3 in 27 starts.
Bubble guys
RHP Matt Andriese – A very strong start in 2017 (5-1 in April/May) but had a very rough September (0-4, 7.77) as a starter. Has always been a versatile arm and long-man in relief if called upon.
RHP Brent Honeywell – The organization’s #1 prospect is ready. Whether he puts together an impressive enough spring to cement himself into the Opening Day roster is the only real question. Impeccable control and poise.
RHP Austin Pruitt – Showed signs last season of being a solid back of the rotation arm. Pruitt will most likely be at the Trop against the Red Sox on March 29th no matter how the Rays utilize him.
Call-Ups
RHP Yonny Chirinos – Numbers-wise, he’s been more impressive than even Honeywell. Chirinos went 12-5 at Durham last year with an impressive 2.74 ERA and just 26 walks in 168.1 innings.
RHP Jose De Leon – Hasn’t looked good at all in his limited MLB experience with Dodgers or Rays. Still could be an arm that the Rays look to for bullpen help or spot starts late in the season if the injury bug hits hard enough.
LHP Ryan Yarbrough – The only lefty prospect on the 40-man with significant time as a starter. Yarbrough had a solid year with AAA Durham in ’17 going 13-6, 3.43 in 26 starts. Could be a September call-up with eyes on 2019’s squad.
Spring training doesn’t mean the end of the off-season. Trades could still be had and free agents signed. This has been one of the slowest off-seasons in recent memory which bodes well for a team like Tampa Bay. If Archer and/or Odorizzi are dealt it changes everything. The odds of both men going elsewhere is slim to none at this point.
Then again, no one expected them both to still be here in February.
