The Tampa Bay Rays are PECOTA’s pick to win the A.L. East, but could they have the best rotation in the American League?
Ever since the departure of Joe Maddon, the Tampa Bay Rays have tried to be a dominant force in the American League East. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have yet to secure an A.L. East championship since 2010. Some savvy moves over the past couple of seasons put the Tampa Bay Rays in a position to be a force in the American League, headlined behind a solid rotation from top to bottom.
Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays missed out on Alex Cobb, who missed the whole season due to injuries. However, in Cobb’s stead, Chris Archer became the Tampa Bay Rays’ perennial ace and showcased why he was a highly-touted prospect just a few years ago. On the other hand, the good came with the bad for the Tampa Bay Rays, as Matt Moore endured one of the worst seasons of his professional career.
The Tampa Bay Rays have some bounce-back candidates in their starting rotation, but if everything clicks, the Rays should easily have the best rotation in the American League East, if not the American League as a whole. So, let us see how the Tampa Bay Rays’ starting rotation projects as we enter the beginning of Spring Training.
Next: Who Slots in at #5?
Next: Who Earns the Spot at #4?
Next: Who Starts at #3?
Next: Who Slides into #2?
Next: Who is the Rays' Ace?
In 2015, Chris Archer earned his first All-Star selection, as he improved in most statistical categories. Archer made 34 starts, pitching 212 innings, with 12 wins, a 3.23 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. With the improvements, Chris Archer should easily open the season as the Tampa Bay Rays’ ace, and he should be the ace for the next five seasons (barring a trade).
The Tampa Bay Rays desperately needed Chris Archer to step up in 2015, and he lived up to the billing. Chris Archer should be considered one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball. With an improved team heading into 2016, Archer should push closer to 20 wins and really open up some eyes around the baseball community. Chris Archer is, hands down, the best pitcher on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chris Archer throws three plus-pitches out of the same arm slot, resulting in his outrageous 10.7 K/9 in 2015. As long as Archer’s off-speed offerings are hitting the mark, he should show no signs of regression moving forward. The Tampa Bay Rays might have just enough in 2016 to make an A.L. East championship push. The Rays are back in business.
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Chris Archer
RHP, Raleigh, North Carolina
Last season, Chris Archer looked like the likely number three starter for the Tampa Bay Rays; however, injuries to Smyly and Cobb vaulted Archer into the top spot in the starting rotation. Chris Archer took advantage of being labeled as the team’s ace. With a phenomenal season in 2015, Chris Archer narrowly lost out on the American League Cy Young Award, but he looks like a favorite heading into 2016.
In 2015, Chris Archer earned his first All-Star selection, as he improved in most statistical categories. Archer made 34 starts, pitching 212 innings, with 12 wins, a 3.23 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. With the improvements, Chris Archer should easily open the season as the Tampa Bay Rays’ ace, and he should be the ace for the next five seasons (barring a trade).
The Tampa Bay Rays desperately needed Chris Archer to step up in 2015, and he lived up to the billing. Chris Archer should be considered one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball. With an improved team heading into 2016, Archer should push closer to 20 wins and really open up some eyes around the baseball community. Chris Archer is, hands down, the best pitcher on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chris Archer throws three plus-pitches out of the same arm slot, resulting in his outrageous 10.7 K/9 in 2015. As long as Archer’s off-speed offerings are hitting the mark, he should show no signs of regression moving forward. The Tampa Bay Rays might have just enough in 2016 to make an A.L. East championship push. The Rays are back in business.