Pitcher Moore signs long-term deal with Tampa Bay Rays

Pitcher Matt Moore AFP FILE PHOTO

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rays have locked up rising star Matt Moore by signing the starting pitcher to an eight-year, $39.7 million dollar contract, the Major League Baseball club announced Friday.

The 22-year-old Moore became the youngest starting pitcher to win an opening post-season contest when he worked seven innings of game one of the Rays’ first-round series against Texas.

Moore allowed just two hits and two walks, and struck out six Ranger batters in a dominating 9-0 victory. The Rays went on to lose the best-of-five series 3-1.

He made his major league debut for Tampa in September, going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three appearances since being called up from the minors.

The deal announced Friday includes $14 million in guaranteed money.