Tampa Bay Rays, Kevin Kiermaier agree to six-year extension

Kevin Kiermaier takes batting practice before the Spring Training home opener against the Pirates. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays and Kevin Kiermaier are nearing a contract extension that would pay the centerfielder $53.5-Million over a term of at least six years — an annual average value of nearly $9-Million. The extension is pending final paperwork and a physical.

Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), the deal would begin this season and would replace the $2.975-Million which Kiermaier agreed when avoiding arbitration as a Super Two player in January. It would buy out all four of Kiermaier’s potential arbitration years, and two of his would-be free agent campaigns. It likely includes at least one or two team option years, and would run through his age-32 season, putting The Outlaw on pace to reach free agency just prior to his age-33 campaign.

The 26 year-old centerfielder one of the best (if not the best) defensive players in all of Major League Baseball, producing a total of 13.1 fWAR (average of 4.4 a season) since breaking into the league in 2013. Kiermaier’s 44 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) over the past two seasons are the highest among any big leaguer, and he’s out paced all of baseball with an Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) of +42.3 runs. Unsurprisingly, he already has two Gold Gloves to his name, as well as a Platinum Glove.

In addition to his glove work, the breakout candidate has produced at an above-average rate at the plate. Kiermaier has collected double-digit home run (10 in 2015, 12 in 2016) and stolen base (18 in 2015, 21 in 2016) totals in each of the past two seasons, while slashing .258 BA/.313 OBP/.425 SLG/.738 OPS in 1314 plate appearances.

And though Kiermaier had come up as a trade candidate at various points over the past two off-seasons, the extension likely would eliminate the any trade speculation in the near future. It, as Topkin contends, is a big deal and a major sign of commitment for both sides, as Kiermaier has emerged from being a 31st-round pick to one of the team’s most dynamic and popular players — a clubhouse, marketing and fan favorite.

Aside from Evan Longoria, Chris Archer and now Kiermaier, the Rays don’t have any other players on a guaranteed contract beyond the 2018 season, making The Outlaw a cornerstone for years to come.

Even though a formal announcement is not expected today, Kiermaier spoke briefly about the extension, and said he is very grateful to the organization:


(Audio Courtesy of Rays Radio)

Rays set to take on Orioles and Yankees on Tuesday; Archer returns from WBC

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer looks on during a Pool C game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic against Columbia at Miami Marlins Stadium on Friday in Miami. (Photo Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their first split squad game of the spring today, with one squad heading to Sarasota to take on the Orioles and the other staying in Port Charlotte to host the Yankees.

First, a little house keeping

— Mallex Smith made an outstanding catch to rob Joe Mauer of a home run in the first inning of Tuesday’s contest against the Twins.

Smith also pushed a bunt past the Twins third baseman for a leadoff single, drew an errant pickoff throw to first (that was mishandled) which allowed him to move up to second, advanced to third on a fly-ball to right and finally scored on a sacrifice-fly to center.

Rays manager Kevin Cash was complimentary of Smith for his work on bunting.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player work that hard at it. So he’s pretty special in that regard.

Following the game, Smith spoke about the flashy tools he showcased Tuesday.


(Audio Courtesy of Rays Radio)

— Nick Franklin continues to stake his claim for a place on the Opening Day roster. Franklin collected three hits yesterday — one to left, to center and to right — and raised his spring average to .571 (12-21). Finding a roster spot, however, might not be the easiest of tasks.

Because of his slow progress in rehabilitating from offseason heel surgery, Matt Duffy will likely start the season on the disabled list, meaning Tim Beckham — who also is having a strong spring — is expected to get the most of the reps at short. Compound that with the fact that the Rays will have to create a roster spot in order to add Rickie Weeks to the 25-man. It is plausible for Franklin to fill the super utility role, however, he will have to show off his defensive tools in the outfield and in the middle infield.

— Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), Jose De Leon remains very much a prospect in progress. De Leon, acquired from the Dodgers for 2B Logan Forsythe, said he felt he took “a step forward” Monday, allowing three runs on two hits (one a 3-run HR) and a walk over three innings. That’s relative, because his first outing was really bad and his second was just okay. He was 90-93 with his fastball but command remains elusive, evidenced when he followed a 15-pitch first inning with a 26-pitch second, and needed 54 overall to get the nine outs. Manager Kevin Cash said De Leon’s command was “a little bit better,” but it’s obvious he needs more work.

— Of bumps, bruises and strains. Brad Boxberger (lat/back) said his the bullpen session he threw Monday went well, and he is scheduled to throw another tomorrow. Still, no date has been set for his exhibition debut, although “he still feels he definitely will be ready for the April 2 opener,” writes Topkin. Shawn Tolleson said his back has been feeling good and he is eager to get on the mound today for his second spring outing.

The New What Next

Blake Snell will get the start against the Orioles in Sarasota, and will be followed by Hunter Wood, Chih-Wei Hu, Ryan Yarbrough and Jake Faria. Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza Jr. will make the trip to Sarasota, while Smith and Kevin Kiermaier will stay home. Jake Odorizzi will get the start against the Yankees in Port Charlotte, and will be followed by Shawn Tolleson, Jaime Schultz, Austin Pruitt and Diego Moreno.

Rays 3/14/17 Starting Lineup vs. Baltimore

Robertson SS
Franklin 2B
Dickerson LF
Souza RF
Gillapsie 1B
Casali C
Peterson DH
Leonard 3B
Lee CF
Snell LHP

Rays 3/14/17 Starting Lineup vs. New York

Smith CF
Kiermaier DH
Longoria 3B
Miller 2B
Weeks 1B
Beckham SS
Maile C
Bauers LF
Varona RF
Odorizzi RHP

Notheworthiness

— Chris Archer rejoined the Rays on Monday, and will pitch in a minor league game in Port Charlotte on Thursday to remain on schedule for Opening Day.

Per Topkin, there was some talk of Team USA officials having Archer pitch instead on Friday in San Diego, but he will stick to the original plan and stay with the Rays.

The right-hander is scheduled to pitch next on March 22 — the date of the WBC championship game — and could be available then if Team USA is playing.

Jake Odorizzi will not be added to the United States roster for the second round, due to a scheduling conflict.

Long ball fuels Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 win against Toronto Blue Jays

Jake Bauers connected for a two-run blast in the second inning of Sunday’s ball game. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

On the heels of an impressive 8-2 victory against the Blue Jays on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Minnesota Twins Monday afternoon in Ft. Myers.

Takeaways and highlights from Sunday’s ball game:

— Jake Bauers hit a massive homer the left the confines of Charlotte Sports Park; the first of four homers for Tampa Bay.

Bauers’ two-run home run

— Erasmo Ramirez was efficient, although his fastball command was spotty. That is to be expected from Ramirez, who made just his second appearance of the spring. The righty threw two hitless innings — walking one and striking out one — and used just 20 pitches (11 strikes).

— Kevin Kiermaier robbed former Ray Jake Elmore of a run-scoring extra-base hit in the first inning, consequently helping Ramirez on the mound.

Equally as impressive, Kiermaier quickly found his feet and threw the ball in to third, keeping the runner at second. It’s only March!

— Evan Longoria hit his first homer of the spring, and switch-hitter Casey Gillaspie homered from both sides of the plate in the seventh (a two-run shot to left) and eighth (a solo blast to right) innings.

— Longoria is focused on power per se, rather he’s trying to rack up spring at-bats.

I’m seeing the ball pretty well. I haven’t really been worried about the power or anything like that. It’s been more about trying to rack up at-bats. Just see pitches and get deeper into counts, and feel like I’m comfortable. … That at-bat, it was a changeup that he just made a mistake on.

The New What Next

Jose De Leon will make his third appearance of the spring, opposite of  Rule 5 pick Justin Haley. De Leon will be followed by Chase Whitley, Taylor Guerrieri, Jeff Walters and Justin Marks. Willy Adames, Tim Beckham, Nick Franklin and Steven Souza Jr. will also make the trip to Ft. Myers.

Rays 3/13/17 Starting Lineup

Smith CF
Beckham SS
Bauers 1B
Souza Jr. RF
Gillaspie DH
Franklin 2B
Sucre C
Peterson LF
Robertson 3B
De Leon RHP

Noteworthiness

— After the Rays’ four-homer day, they now have 22 in the first 15 games of the spring, good for third in the Grapefruit League.

Rays Claim Jumbo Diaz from Reds; place Nathan Eovaldi on 60-day DL

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed right-handed reliever Jumbo Diaz off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, reported Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times).

Diaz, who I wrote about Saturday, had been designated for assignment late last week when Cincinnati claimed Christian Walker from the Atlanta Braves. Tampa Bay placed right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who will miss the 2017 season following Tommy John/flexor surgery, on the 60-day disabled list to create a spot on the 40-man roster.

The 33 year-old right-hander held opponents to a 3.14 ERA in 43 innings for Cincinnati last season, however, he also displayed some troubling trends. Diaz posted career-worst marks in K/9 (7.7), BB/9 (4.0), S/Str (10.4 percent) and HR/9 (1.7 ), while his fastball velocity dropped from 97.73 mph at the start of the 2016 season, to 95.77 mph by season’s end.

(Velocity chart courtesy of Brooks Baseball)

A .239 BABIP and an 80% strand rate contributed to his impressive ERA mark last season, although his 4.60 xFIP and 4.24 SIERA forewarned of a more pessimistic outlook.

According to Baseball Prospectus, Diaz brandished a solid 3.55 Deserved Run Average (DRA), yet that figure is up from the 3.18 DRA he managed in 2015. If Diaz can improve on his peripherals, lower his walk rate back to 2015 levels (2.7), and maintain his 49% ground ball rate, he could be a solid pick-up.

Diaz is out of minor league options, so he will have to crack the Opening Day roster at the end of the month, or risk exposure to waivers before he can be sent to the minors.

The hard throwing righty is currently pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

The aptly nicknamed Diaz told Topkin it is a little weird not getting to join his new squad since he’s in the WBC, but has been getting filled in by Dominican/Rays teammate Alex Colome.

Beckham continues torrent of production; Archer solid in WBC start

Chris Archer threw four perfect innings against Team Columbia on Friday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Tim Beckham continued his impressive spring campaign for the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, while Chris Archer threw four perfect innings for Team USA in the WBC.

Takeaways from both games (and more) follow:

— Beckham continued his torrid spring, going 1-2 with a homer and a walk.

Beckham’s opposite field homer in the third inning, off Drew Hutchison, technically was his first of the spring, although he hit a monster shot to left against Team Colombia on Wednesday. The infielder, who is looking to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, hit another deep fly out to left in the fifth, although it was knocked down by the wind. Thus far, Beckham has slashed .375 BA/.500 OBP/.813 SLG/1.313 OPS in 16 at-bats with seven runs and four RBI.

— Matt Andriese made his first start of the spring, allowing one run on two hits and two walks, while fanning three. He, however, had a tough time with his command throwing 28 of 44 pitches for strikes.

Andriese acknowledged that he couldn’t find his groove on the mound, although he is not too worried about the outcome:

I don’t really tend to walk people too often, so when I was walking some guys…just you know, I was feeling my mechanics a little bit, and nothing really to worry about, I’ve just got to get back out the next five days and do it again.


(Audio Credit: Rays Radio)

— Hunter Wood was the most impressive Rays’ hurler on Friday. Utilizing a good cutter with a 94 mph fastball, wood struck out three and retired all seven batters he faced.

— Rays ace Chris Archer made his World Baseball Classic debut, throwing an efficient 41 pitches (30 strikes) while slashing 4.0 IP/0 BB/0 R/3 K — hitting 97 mph multiple times in Team USA’s 3-2 walk-off win over Team Colombia. The right-hander complemented his heater with 15 off-speed pitches, almost solely his slider. Archer pounded the outside corners, mostly low and away, to a Colombian lineup that found him impossible to square up.

He was using his fastball slider combo and our hitters couldn’t hit him, said Team Columbia’s manager, Luis Urueta

Limited to a four inning/60 pitch limit (whichever came first), Archer left the game and threw a cool-down session in the bullpen.

It was tough. Looking in Jim Leyland’s eyes and telling him that I had to shut it down, it was tough, Archer said. But I’m obligated to the Tampa Bay Rays. We had a plan coming in. We knew that was a possibility. … I’m glad (Leyland) didn’t put too much pressure on me to stay in, but it was definitely tough.

He also conceded that he emotional before taking the mound.

There were four or five times pregame where I got chills, honestly. I was just looking at my arm and just like, I can’t believe this. Seeing my parents’ faces when I walked in, it was special. Giving high-fives to these guys, seeing the type of competitors they are, it was a special experience.

The New What Next

The Rays travel to Fort Myers on Saturday for a contest against the Red Sox. Alex Cobb will make his third start of the spring, opposite of Chris Sale. Also expected to pitch for Tampa Bay are Jacob Faria, Neil Wagner, Jeff Ames and Diego Moreno. Kevin Kiermaier, Evan Longoria and Steven Souza Jr. will also make the trip to Fort Myers.

Rays 3/11/17 Starting Lineup

Beckham SS
Kiermaier CF
Longoria 3B
Weeks 1B
Miller 2B
Souza RF
Casali DH
McEnry RF
Sucre C
Cobb RHP

Noteworthiness

— Tampa Bay claimed RHP Jumbo Diaz off waivers from the Reds on Friday. Diaz, who is currently playing in the WBC for the Dominican Republic, spent parts of the past three seasons in the big leagues, boasting a fastball that averages nearly 96 miles per hour (down from 98.2 in 2015). Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the 60-day DL to make room for Diaz on the 40-man roster.

The 33 year-old right-hander held opponents to a 3.14 ERA in 43 innings for Cincinnati last season, although he walked 10.4% of the batters he faced, and gave up 1.67 HR/9. His K% plummeted from 27.5 percent in 2015 to 20.3 percent last season, resulting in a 5.24 FIP. If Diaz can lower his BB/9, he could be a solid acquisition. More on him later.