Rays Add Free Agent Wacha on One-Year Deal
After re-signing catcher Mike Zunino earlier in the week, on Friday the Rays added a veteran pitcher to their starting rotation. Michael Wacha, who had pitched exclusively with National League clubs, has signed a one-year deal with the Rays. For the time being, the team’s 40-man roster is full.
“Things just clicked right away,” said the 29-year-old Wacha, who was an NLCS MVP with the Cardinals in 2013 and an All-Star in 2015. “I felt like it was a perfect fit, great opportunity for me to go out there and get better and improve my game. And have a chance to compete for a World Series as well.”
Executive Vice President/General Manager Erik Neander says Wacha, who signed a three-million dollar deal for 2021, was a priority target for several reasons.
“Our need for pitching and length in particular is something that has been well documented,” said Neander. “The makeup, the competitiveness … to have someone that carries himself the way that Michael does and goes about his business the way that Michael does that’s something that’s very important to us.”
After losing Charlie Morton, the move gives the Rays a veteran in the rotation with postseason experience. Wacha was 4–3 in the postseason with St Louis from 2013–2015 over seven playoff appearances and a 4.08 ERA. Wacha says the Rays’ recent success did play a role in his decision.
“This spot that’s I’m at right now is where I need to be,” said Wacha. “It’s a great fit, great opportunity for me to increase my level of game but also playing with a winning organization that’s going to be fighting for a spot in the postseason and for the World Series. I think that was very important in my decision for sure.”
Neander feels that as much good as they’ve learned about Wacha’s character, they also believe the talent is there to be successful in the Rays system.
“Really getting into the pitch development, the mentality and where that was in 2020, just feel like there’s some real life and upside to him that should show up in 2021,” Neander said. “Knowing where he is in his career, how open he is, how receptive he’ll be, should make a real nice really mutually beneficial relationship.”
Tampa Bay has had a penchant for getting the most out of pitchers, and certainly that track record and the team’s recent success played a role in Wacha’s decision. Wacha was impressed with what he heard from Pitching Coach Kyle Snyder.
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“I feel like he’s already got a plan for me already,” Wacha said. “I feel like he’s been brainstorming this whole offseason on different things we can do to get better.”
Neander says 2020 sets a great example of how the Rays develop pitchers they have not had for a long time, as Aaron Loup and John Curtiss were among those to succeed as minor league free agents.
“We have a lot of confidence in our pitching program and it’s not one particular type or style of pitcher,” Neander said. “Frankly I think more than anything I just think it’s the care, it’s the human touch that they invest in each and every pitcher to help them get them the most out of themselves that really drives it.”
Wacha, who made his MLB debut in 2013 with St Louis, is 60–43 with a 4.01 ERA over 901.2 innings. Last year was Wacha’s first where he wasn’t with the Cardinals, and he went 1–4 over eight appearances with the Mets, seven as a starter, and a 6.62 ERA. In 34 innings, Wacha allowed 46 hits, but also walked on seven and struck out 37. What also was encouraging was an increase in fastball velocity, as he averaged 93.6 miles per hour, the third highest rate of his career.
Wacha also had the highest swing and miss rate since his rookie season, and the highest chase rate (pitches outside the strike zone). Wacha feels the Rays’ reputation for working with pitchers was one thing that attracted him to Tampa Bay.
“I feel like they’ve got a reputation going around,” said Wacha. “Nothing but good things were being said by everyone I talked to.”
Wacha has missed time with shoulder and knee injuries. However, he’s healthy now, and Neander believes that after looking at things thoroughly that Wacha’s risk isn’t elevated compared to his peers.
As of now, Wacha joins Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ryan Yarbrough as likely starters in 2021, with Josh Fleming, Shane McClanahan, Brent Honeywell, Trevor Richards and Aaron Slegers the other 40-man starter or bulk options to being the season.
The Rays also announced a minor league deal with Chris Ellis. He was pitching very well in winter ball in the Dominican Republic, allowing five runs in 18 innings. The 28-year-old had one appearance in the majors with Kansas City in 2019.
