The Rays and right-hander Kyle Crick are working towards a minor league contract, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). When finalized, the deal will include an invitation for Crick to attend the Rays’ big league Spring Training camp.
The 30-year-old Crick pitched for the White Sox last season, delivering a 4.02 ERA and a 28.8% strikeout rate, but also an ugly 16.7% walk rate. These numbers came over only 15 2/3 Major League innings, as Crick was sidelined due to right elbow inflammation in June and didn’t pitch again for the rest of the season. It seems like Crick is back to full health, as he recently took part in a showcase for scouts, and is now on the verge of a deal with the Rays.
The Giants drafted Crick 49th overall in 2011, technically within the first round of a draft that had an unusually large number of supplemental picks. Crick was a regular on top-100 prospect lists during his time in San Francisco’s farm system, though his rankings started to stall out as he ran into some major control problems at the Double-A level. The Giants pivoted by turning Crick into a full-time reliever in 2017, which led to his first taste of the big leagues and the first of six consecutive years for the right-hander with at least some MLB action.
After that 2017 debut for Crick, the Giants dealt the reliever along with Bryan Reynolds and some international bonus slot money to the Pirates in exchange for Andrew McCutchen in January 2018. Crick had a 2.39 ERA over 64 1/3 frames in 2018, and with Reynolds’ emergence in 2019, this trade looked like a major steal for Pittsburgh except Crick couldn’t remain consistent. As Crick battled both injuries and continued control issues, the Pirates released him in July 2021, with the White Sox quickly stepping in to sign Crick to a minor league deal.
Control has remained a thorn in Crick’s side throughout his big league career, as he has a 13.3% walk rate over 187 1/3 innings. That said, Crick’s career ERA is still a respectable 3.56, as he has posted some good strikeout numbers and done a very good job at inducing soft contact. If Crick can stay healthy and limit the free passes, he might have breakout potential as a reliable relief option.
Tampa Bay has a long history of rehabbing or reinventing pitchers that escaped the notice of other teams, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Crick found success in the Rays organization. A big performance might be necessary to stand out from the crowd, however, as Topkin notes that Crick (assuming the signing becomes official) would be the 80th player on the Rays’ spring roster.
As I’m always saying, forget about ERA with relief pitchers. Sample sizes are usually just too small for that to be a viable data point.
Always thought crick was an above average pitcher. Injuries and wildness derailed him. Hoping he comes back
Not only are sample sizes too small, but there are things that are out of the relievers’ control that can affect ERA positively and negatively. For example, inherited runners that score on his watch don’t count against his ERA.
Buuba and rememberthecoop are you both interested in auction draft?
To be honest with you King, I’ve never taken part in fantasy baseball. I’ve always had interest, since baseball is my passion. That said, I don’t know much about it. Are there costs involved? Shoot me an email at rwarja@gmail.com, so you can tell me more. I don’t want to get into it here.
Thanks.
Sent you invite
Good signing, nothing wrong with taking chances
If he doesn’t pan out, the Rays are up the crick without a paddle
Kyle Crick should be commended for putting a beat down on Felipe Vázquez.
Why are you so keen on bringing that up? You and many others love to dig up old dirt that we try to forget. What Vazquez done, was and is a disturbing crime that happens more often than not. Vazquez isn’t the only professional sports player to be involved with something so hideous. It’s just a shame that Pirates and players who attacked Vazquez, will only be remembered for the incident. I don’t know what is more disturbing here, fans hanging onto that incident or the situation with Vazquez. Both are equally sickening and doesn’t need to be brought up often. All the time and energy spent to remind people of the violent and/or s*xual predators, has to be exhausting. Vazquez will never see a major league contract again. Nor will anyone care what happens to him in a few years. Only thing I can hope for is the “system” gave him what he deserves for the crimes he committed.
I apologize for hurting your feelings, and for bringing up an incident that apparently affected you deeply.
It’s not about feelings here. It’s the arrogance you show towards that incident. Victims of that incident should not have to be reminded of it. But you really don’t care, as long as you can have your “mega ego” and arrogance fed.
Please consider speaking with someone you trust or getting some professional help. I’m concerned you’re going to take your pent up frustrations out on an undeserving individual when an actual problem arises.
Please be well.
I remember when giants fans thought crick would get them Trout LOL
Well I have caught trout in a crick so…
Kyle Crick . Another in a long line of SF Giants 1st round draft Busts. Along with Tyler Beede and recent 1st round picks Bart, Bishop
Keep on trolling.
Don’t forget to thumbs up your own post. Nobody has figured that out yet at all.
Gary Brown too. At least Arroyo and Wheeler turned out good. I’m still pissed the Giants traded Wheeler for Beltran.
Pete Fairbanks walked 7.3 per 9 as a Ranger. The Rays have cut that by more than half since they traded for him. So maybe they can work similar magic on Crick.
I will always support Crick for punching out that predator
I got a Crick in my neck. No, not a Kyle.
He is FOREVER GIANT
Sherman Texas Bearcat ⚾️
When its on, Crick’s slider is downright nasty. When he can’t locate it batters lay off and take their walks. Hence the high strikeout and high walk rates. As long he can limit hard contact when batters put the ball in play he should be fine as a 7th inning type guy or opener.