By John Nestor

Tampa Bay, FL

The Tampa Bay Rays locked up hurler Matt Moore Friday after signing the lefty to a five-year deal with club options for three more seasons.

The Rays made sure Moore won't play for another team anytime soon as they inked the youngster to five-year deal worth approximately $39.75 million.

A standout in the minor league with 28-21 record, 2.64 ERA and 700 strikeouts in 497 1/3 innings, the 22-year-old Moore further elevated his status as one of baseball's premier young pitchers with a string of impressive starts for the Rays.

Following his call-up in September, Moore made his presence felt right away by fanning 11 New York Yankees in five innings.

Andrew Friedman, Executive vice president of baseball operations, believes the deal would help them build a young and competitive team around Moore.

"Matt is one of the most talented young players in baseball and exactly the type of person we look to build around," Friedman told MLB.com Friday. "For us, making a long-term commitment to a player is not only a question of his ability, but also his work ethic, competitive drive and character.

 

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Rays, Lefty Pitcher Matt Moore Agree to Five-Year Pact