Last week we found out that almost half the league had expressed interest in free agent starting pitcher Mark Buehrle. With the Winter Meetings in full swing, Buehrle “narrowed his list to five teams” yesterday according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. While he’s not sure, Knobler speculates that the teams that made the cut are the Nationals, Marlins, Rangers, Angels and Cardinals.
All five of these teams have been tied to Buehrle this winter, but really, who hasn’t? The lefty has drawn all kinds of attention since the end of the regular season, and his numbers would indicate why. Buehrle has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball over the past decade. The 32-year-old has made at least 30 starts per season since 2001 while maintaining an ERA south of 4.00 over that span.
The Angels, Rangers, Marlins and Nationals have all been major players in the starting pitching market, making runs at top free agent starter C.J. Wilson as well as Buehrle.
Miami is looking to add a top starter to its revamped roster, and new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen spent the last several years with Buehrle in Chicago.
The Rangers will have a serious need for a top-of-the-rotation starter if Wilson decides to sign elsewhere this winter.
The Angels have indicated that they’d love to add a top starter to their already strong rotation. Buehrle and Wilson especially appeal to LA because they would offer the club a left-hander to add to their righty-dominated staff.
The Nationals are looking for a veteran to lead their young, talented rotation for the next several years. Washington’s general manager Mike Rizzo has targeted Buehrle this offseason.
Buehrle is a Missouri native, and the Cardinals have reportedly tried to make room for him in their rotation this week.
Wherever he goes, with the level of interest that’s been expressed for Buehrle he certainly shouldn’t have a problem obtaining the four-year deal he is reportedly seeking.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.