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Rays sign reigning AL Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell to 5-year, $50 million contract extension

Posted at 2:52 PM, Mar 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-22 00:35:48-04

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed reigning AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a 5-year contract extension.

The deal is reportedly worth $50 million and does not include any options.

That will cover this season, his three arbitration years and one season of free agency.

ESPN reports it is the biggest deal ever given to a player with two years of service.

“Since being drafted in 2011, Blake’s talent and hard work have enabled him to establish himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game,” said Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg. “We’re looking forward to seeing him take the mound for the Rays for years to come.”

Earlier this month, he received a $15,500 raise.

In his third season with the big league team, Snell boasted 21 wins (best in baseball) striking out 221 hitters and limiting opposing batters to a batting average of just .178 (also best in baseball).

Snell will be the Rays Opening Day starter next Thursday when the team takes on the Houston Astros.