UPDATE: Shane McClanahan, the Tampa Bay Rays’ star left-hander, has just finalized a $3.6 million contract for one year, successfully avoiding arbitration. This agreement was reached on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, as the team looks to solidify its roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old two-time All-Star, who last pitched in the major leagues on August 21, 2023, is returning from his second Tommy John surgery. The deal matches his salary from the previous two seasons and reflects his importance to the team. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized, “He’s having a really good offseason. He’s a huge part of our team, and we need him healthy. He’s working to be healthy.”
McClanahan’s journey has been challenging. He initially underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015 and was drafted 31st overall by the Rays in the 2018 amateur draft. After a promising start to his career, where he posted a 3.43 ERA in 2021 and finished seventh in AL Rookie of the Year voting, injuries have sidelined him. Before his injury in 2023, he boasted an impressive 11-2 record with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts.
As McClanahan works towards recovery, the Rays are focused on their remaining arbitration-eligible players. The team has 11 players in total who are set to exchange proposed salaries with the organization on January 8, 2024. This list includes right-handers Bryan Baker, Shane Baz, and Griffin Jax, among others.
Fans are eager to see McClanahan back on the mound, and this contract signals the Rays’ commitment to their talented pitcher. As the team prepares for the 2024 MLB season, all eyes will be on McClanahan’s progress and the overall strength of the roster during the offseason.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on McClanahan’s recovery and the Tampa Bay Rays’ preparations for the upcoming season.
