Rays to re-sign RHP Chaz Roe for $1.15 million

The Rays are returning another injured bullpen arm in 2021, this time with Chaz Roe as he inks a major league deal for $1.15 million, per several reports.

Roe’s signing is a welcomed return to what is quickly becoming a more traditional bullpen in 2021.

Known for a highlight worthy wipe-out slider, Roe was waived by the Rays off the 40-man roster due to an elbow injury in the pandemic shortened season. Before his injury, Roe tallied 9 K over ten appearances (9.1 IP) with a 2.55 FIP, concluding on August 19. He is now presumably healthy and had multiple major league offers, but clearly preferred a return to the Rays.

In the previous season, Roe tested the Rays trust. From June 2 to July 2, 2019 he allowed 12 runs over 14 appearances (10.0 IP) but followed with one scoreless outing against New York. He then reset over the All-Star Break and become a force to be reckoned with, putting up a performance nearly indistinguishable from Diego Castillo’s in the second half of 2019.

The Rays were expected to rely upon several “bulk” pitchers to round out the 2021 bullpen, but Roe’s availability at this price was clearly too much for the Rays to let pass by, even though he is not one to provide more than an inning at a time.

Once signed, 2021 will mark Roe’s fifth consecutive season with the Tampa Bay Rays as he enters his age-34 season. Roe is a former first round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2005, and a steadying veteran presence in the bullpen, where he has a 3.54 ERA over 151 games for Tampa Bay.