When the San Francisco Giants traded for Robbie Ray two offseasons ago, they weren’t buying immediate results. They were buying belief—belief in a comeback, in a track record of dominance, and in the idea that Ray could return to Cy Young form after Tommy John surgery. Now, that gamble looks like one of the most brilliant front-office moves in recent memory.
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Ray missed most of the 2024 season, appearing in just seven games before a hip injury prematurely ended his campaign. But what the Giants saw in those limited outings—a glimmer of velocity, bite on his slider, and an unshakable mound presence—was enough to confirm their faith. In 2025, that belief has blossomed into dominance.
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In May alone, Ray was virtually untouchable. He posted a 1.38 ERA across six starts, all of which were quality outings. He logged 39 innings, allowed just six earned runs, struck out 45 batters, and kept his WHIP under 0.90. These aren’t just solid numbers—they’re elite. They’re Cy Young numbers.
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Ray’s overall 2025 stats are even more impressive. Through 12 starts, he’s 7-1 with a 2.43 ERA, a 10.9 K/9 rate, and a 1.11 WHIP. Of those starts, eight have been quality starts. He’s given up only 19 earned runs in more than 70 innings pitched. It’s not just a bounce-back season—it’s a full-blown revival.
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The 33-year-old lefty hasn’t been this good since 2021, when he won the American League Cy Young Award as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. That season, he led the AL in ERA (2.84), strikeouts (248), innings pitched (193.1), and games started (32). He also led all AL pitchers in WAR at 6.9.
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Ray’s 2021 dominance earned him hardware, headlines, and a five-year, $115 million deal with the Seattle Mariners. But injuries derailed that tenure. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2023, his stock plummeted. That’s when the Giants swooped in, sending outfielder Mitch Haniger, pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, and cash to Seattle in a high-risk trade.
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Fast-forward to 2025, and Ray is anchoring a San Francisco rotation that has overperformed, fueling a surprise push in the NL West. His presence has not only stabilized the staff but energized the entire clubhouse. His comeback is more than a personal victory—it’s reshaping the Giants’ postseason outlook.
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The financials make the move even more impressive. Ray is still owed $25 million annually through 2026—a steep price, but one that’s suddenly a bargain given his performance. A healthy, elite-level starter in today’s market is worth every cent of that deal, and then some.
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Beyond the numbers, Ray’s leadership and tenacity have made an impact in the dugout. He’s become a vocal presence for younger pitchers, preaching patience, routine, and resilience. Coming back from two major injuries, Ray’s perspective has added an intangible boost to a Giants team that needed a veteran presence.
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Despite only one previous All-Star appearance (in 2017 with Arizona), Ray is all but a lock for a second selection this July. More than that, he’s emerged as a frontrunner in the NL Cy Young race—bringing the award full circle after winning it in the AL just four years ago.
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The Giants, once criticized for investing in a damaged arm, now look like visionaries. In a sport where risk is constant and recovery is uncertain, they bet on talent, character, and trajectory—and they’re being rewarded in spectacular fashion.
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As the 2025 season rolls on, Robbie Ray’s story is no longer about injury or rehab—it’s about dominance, redemption, and a shot at becoming just the 12th pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young in both leagues. And if he keeps this up, it won’t just be one of baseball’s best comebacks—it’ll be one of its greatest payoffs.