2. Robbie Ray, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks surprisingly lingered as a playoff contender last year, and as they straddle the line of pushing to contend next season or add controllable assets for the future, Ray lingers as a trade candidate heading into his final year of arbitration eligibility. He has been projected to make more than $10 million via arbitration for 2020.
Another LH starter to keep an eye on: Robbie Ray.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 22, 2019
Has one year left before free agency, with a projected 2020 salary thru arb of $10.8M (via Spotrac).
Other teams say the Diamondbacks seem more open to moving him than in the past. Seeking (what else?) controllable pitching.
Ray posted his highest ERA in three seasons last year (4.34), but he also topped 30 starts for the first time in that span with 33 and set a career-high with 235 strikeouts in 174.1 innings (12.1 K/9).
As a relatively fly ball-heavy pitcher (38.5 percent in 2018; 37 percent last year), Ray would surely benefit from a more pitcher-friendly home park. Based on ESPN’s Park Factors Angel Stadium was actually more friendly to hitters than Chase Field last year, but the difference in quality of pitching between the two home teams was a big factor in that. Arizona had the 12th-best staff ERA in baseball last year (4.25), while the Angels came in 25th (5.12).
The difference in starting rotation was especially pronounced, as the Diamondbacks had a 4.23 ERA from their starters (13th-best) and the Angels’ starters registered a 5.64 ERA (29th in baseball).
Ray would bring a reliable left-handed option to a righty-heavy Angels’ rotation, without taking on the financial obligation and downside risk that Price would bring. The Diamondbacks look like a match for the Angels, so it may just be a matter of ramping up their interest in Ray to get a trade done.