On August 26th, the Tampa Bay Rays extended starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow to a two-year, $30.35 million deal. He will be paid $5.35 million in 2023 and $25 million in 2024. It is the most the Rays have ever paid a pitcher over the course of a single season.
Tampa Bay’s president of baseball operations Erik Neander on the extension: “Certainly believe that his best is yet to come and it’s been pretty good when he’s been out there to this point.”
Glasnow has indeed been injury prone in his career. He is currently recovering from a UCL injury and Tommy John surgery he had over a year ago. However, he warmed up with the team during the Detroit Tigers series back earlier in August.
Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder even revealed promising news on the ace’s return when asked about him returning for the 2022 season: “The chance is not zero, let’s say that much.”
In 2021 with the Rays, Glasnow finished with a 5-2 record and an ERA of 2.66. In 88 innings pitched, he had 123 strikeouts and gave up only 27 walks and 10 home runs. With a 6-foot-8 inch frame, the 29-year-old delivers a powerful high 90s fastball. He is also equipped with a tricky slider that he is known to paint the corners with.
Rays fans are confident that Glasnow is going to step on the field again with this extension being made last week. It is exciting that the team’s 2021 opening day starter will keep Tampa Bay’s pitching staff loaded for years. That way, they can compete for a World Series for many years to come.