Mariners put money where mouth is, sign reigning AL Cy Young winner

Sep 25, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners have been major players in MLB Free Agency thus far, and made their impact signing by adding Robbie Ray.

Ray won the AL Cy Young award last season, finally playing into the potential many saw in him with the Arizona Diamondbacks and finally, the Blue Jays. Toronto made several moves, including signing Kevin Gausman on Sunday night, that appeared to signal Ray would not be returning to Canada as a Jay.

Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mariners have signed Ray to a five-year, $115 million contract with a third-year opt out.

Seattle Mariners rotation: Robbie Ray is clear ace

Ray joins a rotation that as of now consists of Marco Gonzales, Chris Flexen and Logan Gilbert. Surely, the M’s will make other signings to fill out that rotation, but Ray is the unquestioned ace in Seattle moving forward.

Seattle was in the AL Wild Card mix until late in the season, when they fell off in the final week. Because of this, the front office committed to spending more money this offseason, and so far has kept their promise.

Robbie Ray stats: AL Cy Young winner

Ray pitched to a 2.84 ERA, 248 strikeouts and a 1.045 WHIP in an MLB-leading 193.1 innings pitched. All of those marks led the majors, which is in part why he was the clear choice for Cy Young in the American League.

Next. Blue Jays break the bank for potential Robbie Ray replacement. dark