The Tampa Bay Rays have brought back right-handed pitcher Jacob Waguespack on a one-year, $1.3 million deal, signaling their continued faith in the 30-year-old pitcher. This contract comes after Waguespack spent time with the Rays’ system, initially joining on a minor league contract in 2023. Known for his towering 6-foot-6 frame and high-arm-slot delivery, Waguespack’s journey to the major leagues has been unconventional but impressive.
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012, Waguespack chose college over signing and eventually went undrafted out of Ole Miss. He began his professional career with the Phillies in 2015, later making his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2019. While he showed promise early on, a tough 2020 season and subsequent struggles in Triple-A led him to a new chapter in his career with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). There, Waguespack found success as a closer, helping the team win the Japan Series in 2022.
Returning from Japan, Waguespack was determined to make a major league comeback. He spent the offseason refining his mechanics at Tread Athletics in North Carolina, a training facility known for helping pitchers maximize their potential. His work caught the attention of the Rays, whose pitching department has built a reputation for improving talent. This offseason agreement ensures Waguespack another shot at MLB success, whether in a starting role or out of the bullpen, as he continues to push his limits.
