Report: Rays, McClanahan agree to 2-year, $7.2M deal to avoid arb

The Tampa Bay Rays and ace Shane McClanahan agreed to a two-year, $7.2-million contract to avoid arbitration, sources told Robert Murray of FanSided.

The contract reportedly includes escalators in 2024 - $120,000 per start this season - that would go toward his 2025 salary.

McClanahan is arbitration-eligible through the 2027 campaign. The Rays announced that they avoided arbitration with him, though the two-year contract wasn't confirmed.

The 26-year-old two-time All-Star underwent his second Tommy John surgery in August. He'll likely miss the entire 2024 season.

McClanahan owns a career 3.02 ERA with 1.11 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 over 404 2/3 innings (74 starts) for the Rays since arriving in the majors in 2021.

McClanahan was one of eight arbitration-eligible Rays who avoided a hearing by agreeing to a contract for 2024. Among those who reached deals were outfielder Randy Arozarena and third baseman Isaac Paredes, the team announced.

Tampa Bay didn't reach agreements with pitcher Jason Adam and outfielder/first baseman Harold Ramírez. The sides can continue to negotiate a contract until the players' hearings begin, likely in early February.