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The Tampa Bay Rays love finding themselves a bargain, and Dellin Betances just might be one, even though he is likely the top free agent reliever available on the open market.
The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the teams that have been linked to the veteran pitcher by multiple media outlets this offseason, with this latest coming from the Winter Meetings:
Betances is likely to sign 1-year deal to boost his value after a lost 2019. Yanks have engaged w/ him. Keep an eye on Tampa Bay, too. Also, FWIW, one of Beltran’s friends held a congratulatory dinner after he got the Mets job. The only active player who attended was Betances.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 9, 2019
2019 was a lost season for Betances, as he only appeared in one game — September 15th, where he recorded two outs. He battled injuries all year up to that point, and then he limped off the mound in his season debut and would be diagnosed with a torn Achilles, ending his season.
Prior to 2019, Betances had been nearly unstoppable in the backend of the New York Yankees bullpen, dominating opposing hitters from 2013 through 2018. Over his career, which has stretched over parts of 8 seasons, Betances has a 40.1 strikeout percentage and a lowly 2.31 FIP over 381 innings pitched.
During their annual free agency rankings and predictions, MLB Trade Rumors tabbed Betances as the 43rd top free agent available and predicted he would sign a one year, $7M deal with the Rays.
Although that is a bit on the high side for the Rays, it could easily be a bargain if Betances returns to his former ways.