Roy Oswalt Rumors
By Editorial Staff
Entering the offseason, Roy Oswalt and his agent were seeking a three-year contract. The market hasn’t been kind to Oswalt’s request, as teams have balked at a long-term commitment due to Oswalt’s age and injury history. As a result, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported yesterday that Oswalt is now looking for a one-year deal. Crasnick says six teams are now speaking with Oswalt’s agent, and the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Twins, Royals and Nationals are all teams MLBTR.com says could have interest in the veteran right-hander.
Last season, due to back issues, Oswalt was only able to make 23 starts for the Philadelphia Phillies. Over his 139 innings of work, the 34-year-old managed an ERA and WHIP of 3.69 and 1.338. It was the first time since 2003 that the righty hadn’t made at least 30 starts.
For this reason Oswalt is now looking to take a one-year deal. If Oswalt is able to show that he is still healthy and productive, he could hit the free agent market once again next offseason and possibly get the multi-year deal that’s evaded him this winter.
With several teams looking for pitching, there figures to be significant interest in Oswalt now that it will only take a commitment of one year to bring him in.
The Red Sox, Royals, Blue Jays, Twins and Nationals are all seeking rotation upgrades and Boston has said they’d be interested in bringing in Oswalt. The Nationals were also tied to Oswalt earlier this offseason as they are seeking a veteran to add to their young rotation.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.