Robbie Ray

Robbie Ray Bio

Robert Glenn Ray is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Ray is a two-time MLB All-Star, having been selected in 2017 and 2025. In 2021, he won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award with the Toronto Blue Jays after leading the AL in earned run average (ERA) and MLB in strikeouts. He was also named to the All-MLB First Team.

Early Life and Background

Robert Glenn Ray was born on October 1, 1991, in Brentwood, Tennessee. Growing up in the Nashville metropolitan area, he played youth baseball on travel teams alongside future MLB All-Star Mookie Betts. Although they were teammates on those travel teams, they competed against each other in high school; Ray attended Brentwood High School, while Betts attended John Overton High School. In his senior season, Ray posted a 7–1 win-loss record and a 0.50 earned run average (ERA). He struck out 95 batters and walked only 13, pitching three no-hitters, including a perfect game against Centennial High School.

Path to Baseball

After de-committing from Vanderbilt University, Ray had planned to play college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks when he was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He signed with the team on August 14, just before the deadline for draftees, accepting a signing bonus of $799,000. Due to signing late in the season, Ray had limited time to play in the minor leagues in 2010. He pitched only one inning that season, striking out two batters in an appearance for the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York–Penn League. Ray’s first professional baseball start came on May 10, 2011, when he pitched five innings for the Class A Hagerstown Suns, striking out six and walking none.

Robbie Ray Career

Early Career (2014)

Ray made his MLB debut on May 6, 2014, allowing only one run on five hits in 5+1⁄3 innings of an 11–4 rout of the Houston Astros. He was the first Tigers pitcher to win his first major league start at the age of 22 or younger since Jeff Weaver in 1999. After two spot starts for Detroit, Ray was sent back down to Toledo, where he remained until August 10, when he was called up again. He struggled during this second call-up, pitching in nine games for the Tigers, starting six, with a record of 1–4 and an 8.16 ERA.

Breakthrough (2015–2020)

The Tigers traded Ray to the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 5, 2014. He was called up for a spot start against the Colorado Rockies on May 6, 2015, allowing one run on five hits in six innings. Ray was named to a major league opening day roster for the first time in 2016, serving as the Diamondbacks’ No. 5 starter. He had an inconsistent season, finishing with an 8–15 record and a 4.90 ERA. In 2017, Ray went on a 27+1⁄3-inning scoreless streak, leading to his first All-Star Game selection. He finished the season with a 15–5 record and a 2.89 ERA, making his first postseason appearance in the 2017 National League Wild Card Game.

Notable Works and Milestones

Ray’s signature work includes winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2021, where he led the league in ERA and strikeouts. He was also named to the All-MLB First Team that year and earned his second All-Star selection in 2025.

Robbie Ray Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Robbie Ray has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, including two All-Star selections and recognition as the AL Cy Young Award winner in 2021.

Robbie Ray Awards Won

Robbie Ray has won several awards during his career, including the AL Cy Young Award in 2021 and being named to the All-MLB First Team in the same year.