Entering the offseason, many considered C.J. Wilson to be the market’s top free agent starting pitcher. While that may still be the case, it looks like most teams in need of rotation upgrades are looking instead to a surer bet. Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting that a whopping 14 teams have shown interest in left-hander Mark Buehrle. Heyman believes Buehrle may be the “most popular big-time free agent” on the market.
14 teams.
That’s nearly half the league!
While this is a fairly significant number, news of the amount of interest Buehrle is drawing shouldn’t really surprise anyone.
If you look up the word consistent in the dictionary, you’ll probably find a picture of Mark Buehrle. The 32-year-old has made at least 30 starts and logged at least 200 innings every year since 2001. That’s right, 2001.
Buehrle’s ERA has consistently hovered around the 3.50 to 4.00 mark, as he’s only finished a season with an earned run average north of 4.00 three times over the past 11 years. While his strikeout totals aren’t earth-shattering, Buehrle rarely offers free passes (career 2 BB/9) and works extremely fast.
The Marlins have reportedly already made an offer to Buehrle, and the lefty is the Nationals number one pitching target this winter. Besides the two National League East clubs, Buehrle has been tied to the Cubs, Twins, Rangers, Yankees, Royals, Cardinals, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Angels as well as his former club, the White Sox.
That brings the total to 13. While I don’t know of number 14, it’s easy to see why so many clubs are willing to join the Buehrle sweepstakes.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.