Wei-Yin Chen: Five potential free agent destinations

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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Where might starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen make his home in 2016?

Wei-Yin Chen isn’t going to receive nearly as much attention as some of the more prominent free agent starters on the market. However, once names like David Price, Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto come off the board, you’ll probably start to hear about Chen more often.

The left-hander has quietly put up some strong numbers in his four seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He sports a 3.72 ERA over 706.2 total innings in that span. This year was his best yet, as he posted a 3.34 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 3.73 K/BB in 191.1 frames. He has also been fairly durable, making at least 30 starts in each year but 2013, when he went on the DL with an oblique injury.

Chen’s performance is even more impressive when you consider the level of competition he faced in the AL East. He is by no means a frontline starting pitcher, but you could do much worse for a number-three type. At 30 years of age, a five-year deal seems possible. It’s also worth keeping in mind that he received a qualifying offer, so signing him would require a draft pick.

With several other key free agents to consider, along with a reported desire to re-sign Chris Davis, the Orioles seem rather unlikely to bring Chen back. As a result, he could make a surprisingly large impact for a new club in 2016. Here are five teams that could reasonably make a run at Chen this offseason.

Next: Team #1

Detroit Tigers

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers need starting pitching help this winter. After the midseason trade of David Price and the impending free agent exit of Alfredo Simon, the Tigers are likely looking at two rotation spots to fill.

Chen has been a fly ball pitcher throughout his career, putting up an average fly ball rate of 40% over his four years in the major leagues. He could thrive in the pitcher-friendly ballparks of the AL Central, where his propensity to give up home runs would be minimized.

With significant amounts of money already tied up in players like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander, Detroit may do well to bypass the big fish this offseason and add several cost-effective pieces in an effort to revamp its roster. A solid option like Chen could fit into that plan.

Next: Team #2

Arizona Diamondbacks

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks finished four games under .500 this year but showed some encouraging signs that they were moving in the right direction. Their offense scored the eighth-most runs in baseball (720), but they were hampered by a starting rotation that pitched to a 4.37 ERA (23rd in MLB).

While they have hope for youngsters like Robbie Ray and Patrick Corbin, the D’backs staff lacks a consistent veteran to lead the way. In fact, every hurler who started a game for Arizona last year was under the age of 30.

Chase Field is certainly not the easiest place to pitch, but some of the other NL West parks fit Chen’s fly ball profile. He could be a decent investment for a D’backs squad hoping to make more positive strides next season. He would also likely fit into their price range.

Next: Team #3

San Francisco Giants

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants reportedly have their eyes fixed on Zack Greinke at the moment, but regardless of how that pursuit fares, Chen could be a valuable addition for them as well.

The Giants have some money coming off the books, as well as a few rotation spots in limbo. With the retirement of Tim Hudson as well as the imminent departures of Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum, Chen could slot in quite nicely as a likely upgrade.

AT&T Park is also traditionally very kind to pitchers and allows only 67 home runs for every 100 homers given up in an average ballpark. It seems like an ideal new home for Chen.

Next: Team #4

Toronto Blue Jays

Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

While the Toronto Blue Jays haven’t raised the white flag yet on the David Price front, it’s not unreasonable to think they may ultimately be priced out of his services. In that case, a former AL East opponent could be a fair alternative.

Chen’s career numbers at the Rogers Centre aren’t great (4.91 ERA), but some of that can be attributed to a very small sample size (just two outings), not mention having to face the Jays’ stacked lineup. And while that fearsome offense can do much of the heavy lifting for the team, a sound starting rotation is a necessity if they want to make another deep postseason run.

Signing Chen could be a relatively affordable way for Toronto to attempt to keep its pitching staff up to snuff in 2016.

Next: Team #5

San Diego Padres

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres are the third NL West club on this list, and for good reason. Petco Park is yet another spacious West Coast ballpark that should be able to absorb Chen’s fly ball tendencies with ease.

The lefty’s asking price also figures to suit the Friars’ budget. San Diego’s rotation could undergo some remodeling in time for the 2016 campaign. Ian Kennedy is a free agent, and their need for starting pitching could grow if they manage to deal James Shields. Such a move would also clear valuable space on their payroll to better fit Chen.

Tyson Ross should pace the Padres’ starters once again after posting a 116 ERA+ over the past two seasons. Chen could be a nice piece to add behind him in the pecking order.

Next: This Week in Baseball History 11/22 - 11/28

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