• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Front Office Sports Honors winners are here! View the 2025 winners

Rays’ Pitching Factory Turns Out Latest Bargain Ace

  • Shane McClanahan leads MLB in strikeouts (98) and is the co-favorite for the AL Cy Young (+400).
  • He is making just $711,400 this season.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Few MLB teams get more value out of their pitching staff than the Rays — and their latest ace could prove one of their greatest success stories.

On Thursday, Shane McClanahan allowed an unearned run, two hits, and a walk in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 win over the Cardinals — plus another nine K’s for an MLB-best 98 strikeouts.

The 25-year-old McClanahan — who’s pre-arbitration until 2024 and making just $711,400 this season — is yet another testament to a Rays pitching factory that develops big talent on a budget.

  • Tyler Glasnow (recovering from Tommy John surgery) is making a modest $5.1M in his third arbitration season.
  • Shane Baz — expected to make his 2022 debut Saturday — is pre-arbitration until 2025.
  • Luis Patiño (pre-arbitration until 2024) came to Tampa in a trade for another Rays ace, Blake Snell, who was dealt before the lion’s share of a 5 YR/$50M extension kicked in.

The tradition continues with McClanahan: The 31st overall pick in 2018 has fanned seven-plus in 11 of 12 outings, leads the AL in innings pitched (72.1), and co-leads MLB in wins (7).

Now, he could be next in line for pitching’s highest honor: He is currently the co-favorite (+400) with Justin Verlander to win the AL Cy Young award.

If McClanahan keeps up his torrid pace, the Rays will once again have a spend-or-save decision on their hands.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Unveils 2026 Schedule As Big Changes Loom Soon After

Next year’s slate could be among the last in the current format.
Babe Ruth

Man With Babe Ruth’s Name Charged With MLB Identity Thefts

George Herman Ruth, 69, used hundreds of false names and Social Security numbers.

6 Burning Questions About Reimagined MLB Rights Deals

MLB’s rights are changing significantly, but questions still remain.

Netflix to Stream Entire 2026 World Baseball Classic in Japan

Netflix picks up Japanese rights to the upcoming international tournament.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Sep 29, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) leaves the field following the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium

Rashee Rice Suspended Six Games to Start NFL Season in Discipline Twist

Rice will serve his NFL suspension sooner than initially assumed.
Terry McLaurin
August 25, 2025

Terry McLaurin, Commanders End Standoff With 3-Year Deal

McLaurin has had 1,000 yards receiving in the past five seasons. 
Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Venus Williams (USA)after losing to Karolina Muchova (Czech)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
August 25, 2025

Which Tennis Players Have Made the Most US Open Appearances?

Venus Williams has the most US Open appearances of any tennis player.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Samuel Basallo
August 22, 2025

Orioles Give Catcher Record Extension Amid Adley Rutschman’s Stunning Fall

Samuel Basallo’s reported $67M deal would be a record for pre-arbitration catchers.
Aug 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates in the second half as LA Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) watches at Crypto.com Arena.
August 21, 2025

Paige Bueckers Wowing Crowds, Selling Jerseys Despite Wings Losses

Bueckers is second in youth jersey sales.
August 20, 2025

Tony Hawk Finds His Enduring Fame ‘Baffling’

The skateboarder said it’s “still kind of a shock” to be recognized.
August 20, 2025

Struggling Kyle Tucker Benched Shortly After $600M Contract Buzz

The Cubs take action with their star outfielder ahead of his free agency.