Justin Masterson drawing interest from multiple clubs

Interest in free agent right-hander Justin Masterson continues to pick up steam. 1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson reports that the Minnesota Twins are the latest team to have reached out to Masterson with interest in discussing a contract. This coming just a few days after Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer relayed that the Cleveland Indians had also reached out.

The 29 year old Masterson has also been linked to the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs in recent weeks. He’ll turn 30 during Spring Training.

Masterson is coming off the worst season of his career in 2014. He opened the season atop the Indians’ rotation, but rapidly worked his way down the depth charts before a midseason trade to the St. Louis Cardinals. Injuries played a big part in Masterson’s struggles, limiting him to 28 appearances (25 starts). In 128.2 IP he posted a 5.88 ERA, 1.632 WHIP, and 4.8 BB/9 – each career highs.

For many teams, investing in anything longer than a one year, incentive laden deal likely wouldn’t make sense. Hoynes specifically notes the starting depth that already exists on the Cleveland roster, likely limiting the need for signing Masterson. In all likelihood that’s just the type of deal that the player’s agents are looking for. It would allow him to prove his health, re-establish some value, and then test our the free agent market again next winter.

Masterson had averaged 199 IP over the four seasons prior to this last one. He was essentially a .500 pitcher in that stretch from 2010 through 2013, posting a 4.05 ERA and 1.355 WHIP, but he could be counted on to bolster the Indians’ pitching staff with consistent innings and teams still find value in that.