Putting together the Rays All-Time 25th Anniversary squad

Relief Pitcher: No. 28, Danys Baez

Our Devil Rays addition to our bullpen is 2005 All-Star Danys Baez. Despite only pitching two years in St. Pete with his awkward signature delivery, Baez left his mark with the Rays. Signing as a free agent in 2004, Baez immediately became the Rays closer, saving 30 games in 33 opportunities. It was his 41-save 2005 season, however, that made him valuable in the 2006 offseason.

In 67 games, Baez saved 41 games in 2005 with a 2.86 ERA. His 153 ERA+ was his highest since his 2001 rookie campaign with Cleveland. Following the 2005 season, he was traded to the Dodgers for Edwin Jackson, who became a staple for the Rays ahead of the 2008 pennant. For the Rays, Baez represented the first stability across multiple seasons that they'd ever seen in the closer role. Granted, the position has been a revolving door throughout their entire 25-year tenure.