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Rays sign former Angels reliever to minor league deal

ByMason Stacy|
Apr 9, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Andrew Wantz (60) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Andrew Wantz (60) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Rays have added to their already plentiful bullpen. The front office signed four-year MLB reliever Andrew Wantz to a minor league deal. The Pennsylvania native has spent his entire career with the Angels up to this point, but he will get the opportunity to join the Rays deep group of pitchers in the near future. For now, Wantz will likely be a valuable depth piece as he masters his craft with Triple-A Durham.

On the downside, Wantz probably won't be available to pitch in 2025 due to a right elbow injury he suffered last June. The right-handed hurler won't require Tommy John surgery, but he'll still need lengthy recovery time. However, similarly to newly acquired Mets lefty Nate Lavender, Wantz will be able to familiarize himself with the Rays organization and how they operate before he steps onto a major league mound again.

Although the Angels decided to part ways with the 29-year old, he brings a lot of talent and experience to the table. Many of the Rays new bullpen arms have yet to pitch in an MLB game, so Wantz will be a veteran compared to them and could take on a mentorship role for the youngsters.

He has appeared in over 100 major league innings including four starts, as the Angels attempted to convert him into one of their five-day starters. This is something Tampa Bay may consider as they've popularized the reliever-starter conversion. Recent success stories, Jeffrey Springs and Zack Littell continue to grow in their new roles as starting pitchers.

In his time with Los Angeles, Wantz produced a respectable 1.2 WAR and a 3.88 ERA. These numbers are favorable for the UNC Greensboro alumni, especially considering his minimal workload. His best year was in 2022 when the relief pitcher appeared in 42 games and finished with a 3.22 ERA.

He also had efficient strikeout and walk stats with 9.3 SO/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in that season. Therefore, the sinker specialist isn't going to blow anyone away with his fastball sitting in the low 90's. However, the movement on his pitches, when thrown effectively, will be able to prevent consistent hard contact. Hopefully, the Rays will be able to maximize Andrew Wantz's great potential after he returns from the injured list.

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