Top 5 biggest agreements for the Tampa Bay Rays on Arbitration Day

2. Shane McClanahan - $7.2 million

McClanahan is solidified now as the heart and soul of the Rays pitching unit. The arbitration agreement to keep him in Tampa Bay is big in the team keeping their Cy Young-contending ace satisfied while he rehabs through injury. When healthy, the former All-Star features some of the best breaking ball action in the game, and mainly relies on a high-80 mph changeup. 

On August 4 of this season, McClanahan went on the 15-day injured list with forearm tightness. This injury escalated into the lefty needing his second Tommy John surgery and it ended his season.

It is expected that he will not be back until 2025. But, a portion of the agreement says that $120,000 could be made for each start he has in 2024. That money will be added to his salary in 2025. This creates an incentive for McClanahan to possibly make some starts later in the year. Regardless, Tampa Bay will keep tabs on one of the best pitchers in baseball as he continues his road to recovery.