Largest contracts in Tampa Bay Rays franchise history

The Tampa Bay Rays aren't exactly known for big money moves, but they've had a few major contracts since the formation of the club in 1998. We're going to take a glance at the largest contracts in the Rays history.

Wander Franco (11-year, $182 million)

The 23-year old shortstop had a very bright future ahead of him as he inked an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in 2021. The Rays pulled all the stops for their phenomenal prospect, as he signed the most profitable contract in the franchise's history.

After only three seasons in the league, legal issues have now prevented him from playing baseball in the MLB ever again. This is a very unfortunate circumstance as the Dominican infielder was on track to be one of the top shortstops in the majors for years to come. In his 2023 campaign, Franco slashed .281/.344/.475 with 17 HRs in 112 exhibitions.

Evan Longoria (6-year, $100 million)

Widely considered one of the greatest players in franchise history, Longoria signed a six-year, $100 million extension in 2012. This deal came off of the third baseman's heroic performance at the completion of the 2011 season. The Long Beach, CA product blasted two home runs, including a walk-off homer in the 12th inning, to propel the Rays into the Wild Card.

His incredible stint with the Rays started well before the 2011 season though. Evan Longoria made his major league debut on April 12, 2008 at the age of 22. The slick infielder would take the league by storm as he recorded a .272 AVG en route to the Rays first Rookie of the Year award.

Longoria would finish his 10 years in a Rays uniform with a .270 AVG and 261 HRs, cementing himself into Tampa sports' history.

Kevin Kiermaier (6-year, $53.5 million)

Prior to the 2017 season, the Rays and Kiermaier agreed to a 6-year contract extension worth $53.5 million. The athletic outfielder certainly earned this paycheck after putting together back-to-back Gold Glove seasons in 2015 and 2016. In fact, Kiermaier won the Platinum Glove award in 2015, honoring him as the best fielder of any position in the American League.

Despite this success, the Toronto Blue Jays signed the gritty center fielder out of free agency in 2023. He has since been dealt to the Dodgers, but he has plans to retire before the beginning of the 2025 season.

Blake Snell (5-year, $50 million)

In 2019, the Rays extended Cy Young starter, Blake Snell to a 5-year, $50 million contract. As a highly touted prospect, Tampa Bay's front office was very excited for this young lefty, but no one could've predicted the kind of success he had.

The year prior to his new contract, Snell had an especially memorable campaign. The hard-throwing hurler led the AL with a 1.89 ERA along with an MLB-leading 21 wins. His fantastic year was recognized by the voters as he won the second Cy Young award in franchise history, along with fellow left-hander, David Price in 2012.

Although, his time with the Rays was cut short well before the extension expired. The 2020 season ended with a World Series Game 6 loss that gave Blake Snell some disdain for Rays manager, Kevin Cash. The Seattle product was pulled early from the ever-important game which led to the Rays eventual downfall.

During the 2020 offseason, San Diego acquired Blake Snell from the Rays for four prospects. Of those prospects, Francisco Mejia and Luis Patino are the only players to be promoted to the major leagues.

Resembling all previous offseasons, the Rays have glaring problems in their roster that they will certainly attempt to amend. Most contracts that the Rays produce involve an inconsiderable amount of money within their budget, but they may be able to supply some hefty cash if the perfect situation arises.