MLB: Best Low Cost Pitching Options Available

Jul 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (33) pitches against the Houston Astros in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Astros won 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (33) pitches against the Houston Astros in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Astros won 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 21, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) throws during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

There are still plenty of MLB teams looking for pitching. Which potential low cost options could pay dividends in 2017 and beyond?

Everyone around the MLB wants one of the top pitchers on the market. It is understandable; after all, those players could be a difference maker as to whether or not a team is going to contend. This is particularly true on the pitching side, where having a top pitcher can help take a team from being on the periphery of the playoffs to being a true postseason threat.

Unfortunately, there just are not that many top of the rotation starters, or dominant relievers, to go around. Likewise, given the contracts that those players receive, not every team can afford to bring one of those players in. Every team would love to have one, but they are simply in limited supply. Those available in the trade market have been quite costly in their own right; just look at what the Boston Red Sox gave up in order to acquire Chris Sale.

But what about those teams that do not have the resources, either monetarily or in the minors, to acquire these players? Those teams need to rely upon low cost free agents, those players who, for whatever reason, will cost far less on the open market than the other top names available. But which options currently available could prove to be a worthwhile investment for 2017 or beyond?

Let us take a look around MLB free agency and see which players could end up being relative bargains for the next year or two.