Robbie Ray’s professional baseball career began when he was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. After signing with the Nationals, Ray spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues. His early performances were promising, and he quickly became one of the top pitching prospects in the organization.
Minor League Journey and Debut:
Ray’s journey through the minors was marked by steady progress. In 2013, he had a breakout season, posting a combined 3.36 ERA with 160 strikeouts across two levels, which caught the attention of the Nationals’ front office. This performance led to his inclusion in a high-profile trade in December 2013, where Ray was sent to the Detroit Tigers as part of a package for Doug Fister.
MLB Debut and Early Career:
Robbie Ray made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on May 6, 2014. While his initial stint in the majors showed flashes of potential, he struggled with consistency and was eventually traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2014. It was in Arizona that Ray began to establish himself as a reliable starting pitcher.
Breakout with the Arizona Diamondbacks:
Ray’s breakout season came in 2017 when he posted a 15-5 record with a 2.89 ERA and 218 strikeouts in 162 innings. This performance earned him his first All-Star selection and solidified his reputation as one of the premier strikeout pitchers in the league. Ray’s ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with his high-velocity fastball and devastating slider, made him a formidable force on the mound.
Struggles and Rebound:
The years following his breakout were marked by ups and downs. Ray struggled with control issues, leading to a higher walk rate and inconsistent performances. Despite these challenges, he remained a key figure in the Diamondbacks’ rotation.
In 2020, Ray was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in a deadline deal. Initially struggling with the transition, Ray worked on refining his mechanics and control during the offseason. His efforts paid off in 2021 when he had a career year, leading the American League in ERA (2.84), strikeouts (248), and innings pitched (193.1). His remarkable season earned him the American League Cy Young Award, solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in baseball.
Free Agency and Beyond:
Following his Cy Young-winning season, Ray became one of the most sought-after free agents in the offseason. In November 2021, he signed a five-year, $115 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. Joining the Mariners, Ray was expected to lead the rotation and help the team contend in the competitive American League West.
Ray continued to be a reliable starter for the Mariners, though his performances varied. He remained a key part of the rotation, known for his ability to rack up strikeouts and pitch deep into games.