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Toronto Blue Jays taking a chance on Robbie Ray

By David Hill

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Robbie Ray #38 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field on September 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 14 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Robbie Ray #38 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field on September 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 14 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays have struck first in free agency, bringing back pitcher Robbie Ray on a one year deal.

The Toronto Blue Jays decided to take a chance in their quest for pitching last year. Former All Star Robbie Ray was available on the trade block, although he was going through a horrendous season with the Diamondbacks. Nonetheless, the Blue Jays brought him on board, hoping that they could correct his issues over the final few weeks of the season.

Apparently, Toronto saw enough progress to want to continue the relationship. They have signed Ray to a one year deal worth $8 million.

His command had begun to falter following his All Star season in 2017, but Ray was still an effective pitcher. He was still one of the premier strikeout pitchers in the game, although the opposition had begun to hit him harder.

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Ray bottomed out in 2020. Prior to his trade to Toronto, he was one of the worst starters in the National League, posting a 7.84 ERA and a 2.000 WHiP in his 31 innings. While he struck out 43 batters, Ray also issued 31 walks and uncorked six wild pitches. Those 31 walks led the NL, although he was traded with a month to go in the season.

Although he was not great in Toronto, he showed some marginal improvement. Ray posted a 4.97 ERA and a 1.742 WHiP in his 20.2 innings, striking out 25 batters with 14 walks. His walk rate did decrease, giving hope that maybe Ray could be salvaged.

Apparently, the Blue Jays saw enough to bring him back for that $8 million commitment. If he can get back to form, Ray would be a solid addition to their rotation, the type of arm that could make a difference. But given his command issues, and subsequent struggles in 2020, the Blue Jays are taking quite a risk.

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Robbie Ray is back with the Toronto Blue Jays. They saw enough progress to want to give him another chance.

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