2012 MLB Free Agents: Three Teams Interested in Bruce Chen
By Editorial Staff
Bruce Chen told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that he’s already received calls from two teams expressing their interest in the free agent starting pitcher. While this provides Chen with additional leverage, the left-hander is currently “making progress” with the Royals on a deal that would have him return to Kansas City in 2012.
According to Chen, “a couple of teams have already called to express interest” in the 34-year-old. This development puts Chen in a different boat than last winter, when he “didn’t hear anything for a couple of weeks”. Even after he was eventually contacted by potential suitors, Chen said the offers he did receive “were low”.
Now, following his impressive 2011 season, Chen has already heard from a mystery pair that’s “called to say they have major interest”. While this will certainly provide Chen leverage to improve on the $2 million dollar deal he signed in January, it doesn’t mean he’s looking to leave the Royals.
Chen told Dutton that “Kansas City has expressed numerous times” that they would like to bring him back. Chen has a “real good relationship” with the Royals’ organization and thinks they are “making progress”. At this point, Chen remains hopeful that the two sides can “get something done”.
It’s no wonder the lefty is drawing interest on the open market considering the weak free agent class and Chen’s 3.77 ERA in 2011. Over his 155 innings pitched for the Royals, Chen went 12-8 while maintaining a WHIP of 1.303. These numbers earned him the honor of being named Kansas City’s 2011 Pitcher of the Year.
For more on the Royals, be sure to check out Kings of Kauffman.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.