Robbie Ray ready to bring World Series to Seattle

After signing a five-year, $115million deal with the Seattle Mariners, Robbie Ray fronted the media.

Stats PerformUpdate: Dec 2nd, 2021 06:48 EST

Getty Images

Seattle Mariners recruit Robbie Ray said he is ready to bring a World Series to the franchise following his unveiling on Wednesday.

After capping a career year with the American League (AL) Cy Young Award, Ray opted to leave the Toronto Blue Jays for the Mariners in free agency.

Ray signed a five-year, $115million contract in Seattle, where the 2017 All-Star will headline their rotation after his breakout year in Toronto.

“This team, the city is hungry for a World Series,” Ray said during his introductory news conference midweek – the Mariners have never won the World Series or an AL pennant.

Happy Ray Day 😊 #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/ZgmOWftWgv

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 2, 2021

“To be a part of it and bring it back right here, I just wanted to be here.”

Ray enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Blue Jays, who narrowly missed out on the MLB playoffs despite a 91-win season.

The 30-year-old boasted a 2.84 ERA – the best among qualifiers in the AL, having come off a 6.62 ERA last year.

Done deal 🤝 #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/zKKmot87RA

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 1, 2021

Ray – acquired by the Blue Jays in 2020 – led the AL in ERA-plus (154) and WHIP (1.045), while striking out an MLB-best 248 batters in 32 starts.

“It just seemed like a really good fit and we were ready to move forward,” Ray said of joining the Mariners. “I mean, it happened really quickly, but we’re glad that it did.”