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Phillies trade rumors: Team “very interested” in Robbie Ray

By John Town

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 25: Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a first inning pitch against the Seattle Mariners at Chase Field on August 25, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 25: Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a first inning pitch against the Seattle Mariners at Chase Field on August 25, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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As the Phillies continue to pursue a left-handed starter, they reportedly are “very interested” in acquiring Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray.

The Phillies‘ rotation was pretty good last year, but they notably lacked a left-handed starter outside of a few spot starts from Ranger Suarez. They are looking to add one this offseason but so far have been unwilling to give too many years in free agency. This has led to them pursuing different left-handed starters on the trade market.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Philadelphia is “very interested” in Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray. The Astros are also interested in acquiring the lefty according to Cafardo.

While the Diamondbacks did trade their MVP-caliber first baseman Paul Goldschmidt already, they reportedly aren’t quite ready to go into full rebuild mode yet. This means that the price tag on Ray will be very high, with some reports that he isn’t even available.

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If Ray is made available, he provides a huge surplus in value. He is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $6.1 million in his second year of arbitration in 2019. Considering he has been worth $19.475 million on average per Fangraphs in the last four years with Arizona, his projected salary would be a ridiculous value.

Ray had a career year in 2017 with a 2.89 ERA, 3.72 fielding-independent pitching, and 1.154 WHIP in 28 starts. He led the league in strikeouts per nine innings (12.1) and earned his first All-Star appearance. Ray was not as strong in 2018 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.35 WHIP as his walk rate ballooned to 13.3%. He was only worth 1.4 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement.

In 116 career appearances, Ray has a 4.04 ERA, 3.88 fielding-independent pitching, 27.9% strikeout rate, 10.3% walk rate, and 1.35 WHIP. Even if he only produces at this level, Ray would easily slide into the back of the rotation and provide a change of pace.

On the other hand, despite Ray’s down year in 2018, it appears Arizona will still have a high price tag on the lefty. Given this, Arizona may price themselves out of trading Ray, although they don’t appear that willing to trade him.

Next. Phillies can be stupid about money, but not years. dark

Although Philadelphia is interested in Ray, the Diamondbacks will need to have a major change of heart to put Ray back on the trading block.
As the Phillies continue to pursue a left-handed starter, they reportedly are “very interested” in acquiring Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray.

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