MLB: Starting Pitchers that could potentially be on the trading block

Back-End of the Rotation Options

Andrew Cashner (San Diego Padres)

2016 Stats: 2-3/4.96 ERA/3.6 BB9/7.3 SO9/4.45 FIP

While the 29 year-old’s numbers to start the year don’t look like a pitcher who contenders would want to add to their staff, Andrew Cashner has the stuff to be a solid starting pitcher in the MLB as he posses a mid-90’s fastball that he is throwing around 70 percent of the time this season according to Fangraphs. His walks are the primary concern this season as he just isn’t able to control his pitches consistently. However, Cashner has had some success in his career, with his run in 2013 and 2014 when he finished both seasons with ERA’s under 3.10. Teams will be looking to buy low on Cashner as he becomes a free agent at the end of the year.

Drew Pomeranz (San Diego Padres)

2016 Stats: 3-3/2.12 ERA/4.2 BB9/10.9 SO9/2.86 FIP

Unlike Andrew Cashner, Drew Pomeranz has performed way above expectations. Pomeranz was mostly a reliever the past couple seasons with the Oakland A’s. He was successful in that role as well, finishing the past two seasons with ERA’s under 3.75. Pomeranz is not a power arm as he throws his fastball in the low 90’s. His main weapon is his curveball, which he throws more often than the fastball. Pomeranz has had problems with walks in the early goings, but his strikeout numbers are balancing that problem out. Pitching in San Diego surely helps him and his stats are not sustainable with the number of walks he gives up, but he could be a nice piece at the end of a good rotation.

Ivan Nova (New York Yankees)

2016 Stats: 1-1/4.34 ERA/1.0 BB9/ 4.8 SO9/4.06 FIP

The Yankees have long been rumored to trade for a starting pitcher by trading one of their dominant receivers, but that doesn’t mean that they would not trade Nova to make room in the rotation if they acquire a starting pitcher. Nova has been good in spots in the past, but he’s also been inconsistent. He hasn’t had a good season since 2013 and his swing and miss numbers have decreased over the past couple years, but that doesn’t mean he does not have the stuff to be a serviceable starter. With how many teams need pitchers, if the Yanks make Nova available he could be snatched up.

Ervin Santana (Minnesota Twins)

2016 Stats: 0-2/3.86 ERA/ 4.2 BB9/ 8.5 SO9/3.74 FIP

Sure, Santana is on an expensive deal for at least the next three years for the type of starting pitcher that he is. But, the 33 year-old has been consistently average over the course of his career. Like Pomeranz, Santana is striking hitters out and giving up walks, which means his numbers could fall back. What different about Santana is that he has a track record as a serviceable starter while Pomeranz does not. Many teams will need arms when the calendar turns to July, and this means that clubs may make desperate moves to improve their rotation. If the Twins could kick in some money to make Santana less expensive, a desperate contending team could bite on him.

Next: Rich Hill