Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher Opts Out To Become Free Agent

After learning that the Tampa Bay Rays would not be adding him to the 40-man roster to start the season, 30-year-old right-handed reliever Kyle Crick has decided to opt-out of his minor league contract with the team and become a free agent.

Veteran righty reliever Kyle Crick has opted out of his Rays deal. Vet has career 118 ERA plus. Good slider spin rate as well.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 25, 2023

His spring with the Rays was nothing to write home about, as he had an 8.22 ERA in 7.2 innings pitched, but with 11 strikeouts. 

In six years in the majors, Crick has put together a decent resume, which includes a career 3.56 ERA, 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 118 ERA+, which puts him 18% better than the average pitcher. 

His fastball sits 91-94 mph and he can drop the hammer with a big sweet[ing slider.

Crick's major downfall is control. He's walked 5.2 batters per nine, which is far too high to maintain effectiveness consistently. Last year, with the Chicago White Sox, it was even worse, at 6.3 BB/9. 

Crick won himself the minor league deal with the Rays after a January showcase for several clubs. Now he'll have to see if he can wrangle up another interested party. 

 Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports