After a brief but incredibly impressive big league debut last season, the Rays have decided he's worth keeping around for a guaranteed $14 million over the next five seasons with club options that could be valued at roughly $40 million over eight years.
The heat-throwing 22-year-old lefty kicked off his major league career back in September and finished the regular season going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three appearances, including one start. He went on to start Game 1 of the ALDS, in which he was lights out over seven shutout innings to beat the Texas Rangers and become the youngest pitcher to ever start and win a team’s first game of the postseason.
Moore will join a strong rotation that already includes David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann. Not too shabby, and there's no doubt these guys will remain competitive in the ridiculous American League East.
Moore was pretty shocked when the Rays approached him about the long-term commitment:
"There’s not very much of a case to be built except for what I’ve done in the lower levels in the minor leagues. I understand the potential and all that is there, and the hype... I had a great time when I was here last year. And like Andrew said, they drafted me in 2007 and this is the only place I’ve known. I’m looking forward to calling it home for the next eight years... I feel like the risk is being shared on both ends. I’m happy where we are.”
And we're happy for you. Congratulations, buddy!
[Tampa Bay Online]
1 comment:
Are those dentures?
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