Hey, Robbie Ray

The Giants make their first move of the new year by trading for Seattle lefty Robbie Ray. Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani go to the Mariners.

It’s no secret that the Giants need starting pitching. Ray was the AL Cy Young awardee in 2021 and has delivered a mostly strong body of work over his ten seasons. He’s thrown 1228 innings in 226 games (222 starts) with excellent strikeout numbers (1505 total, 11 K/9, 28.9%). Lifetime he sports a 3.96 ERA and 4.07 FIP. He made one start last year before a flexor strain (followed by Tommy John surgery) ended his season.

It’s an interesting risk for the Giants. Ray is 32 and missed a lot of playing time in 2020 as well. He’s signed (@$25M/yr.) through 2026. They relieved themselves of some salary by sending away Haniger ($20M) and DeSclafani ($12M). The Giants are sending cash ($3M) to the Mariners as well. If Ray is healthy he will be a solid addition. Unfortunately I’m not clear on when Ray will be available to pitch–recovery from TJS takes a long time. Alex Cobb will open the season on the IL and the other arms after ace Logan Webb are unproven rookies (Kyle Harrison, Keaton Winn, Tristan Beck).

I’m glad to see the transaction wire heating up in San Francisco. I hope they will continue to pursue another starter, and they’ll have to do something about shortstop, don’t you think?

Meanwhile, welcome to the Giants, Robbie Ray!

–M.C.