The Tampa Bay Rays, of course, are well known for having signed Evan Longoria to a massive long-term deal when he was still brand new to the league. Thursday morning's news is in the same vein, as the Rays and Wade Davis have now agreed to terms on a long-term deal as well that could go as long as seven years.
Wade Davis, Rays Agree To Long-Term Contract Worth Up To $35 Million
The first four years of the contract are guaranteed, and carry a total value of $12.6 million. The subsequent three years are all team options, and if each is exercised, the contract will end up being worth just about $35 million.
Davis has barely 200 innings of Major League experience, and he’s now signed a deal that could buy out his first two years of free agency. It’s a risk on both his part and the team’s, as neither party knows how Davis’ career is going to play out. However, the Rays are confident that the 25-year-old righty will develop into an excellent innings-eating starter, and Davis, for his part, is probably thrilled to have the security and commitment. Young players love long-term contracts. Given that a baseball career can end at any moment, there’s something to be said for signing up to be a guaranteed multimillionaire.
In his first full season, Davis made 29 starts, posting a 4.07 ERA with mediocre peripherals. However, he came on strong in the second half, and the Rays are looking for him to sustain that improvement going forward.
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