MLB: Best Low Cost Pitching Options Available
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.
C.J. Wilson had established himself as a solid middle of the rotation starter before injuries ruined his past two seasons. Can he come back and be a valued MLB starter again?
From 2010 through 2013, C.J. Wilson was one of the better starters in the game. After spending his first five seasons in the Texas Rangers bullpen, Wilson was moved to the starting rotation, where he blossomed. In those four years, he made two All Star Games while posting a 61-32 record with a 3.37 ERA and a 1.278 WHiP. Wilson also threw over 200 innings each season, establishing himself as a stellar innings eater.
After struggling in 2014, Wilson appeared back on track in 2015. He had an 8-8 record, but had a 3.89 ERA and a 1.241 WHiP. His command, which had deserted him at times the previous year, was back. However, his season ended on July 31, as he was initially placed on the disabled list with elbow inflammation before undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his left elbow. Last year, Wilson missed the entire season due to shoulder discomfort that required surgery.
At 36 years old, and coming off two injury plagued seasons, Wilson will not cost much to bring in. The Marlins, in particular, have been listed as being interested in Wilson, as they were intrigued by him during his first foray into free agency. He would certainly fit their profile, as they have gone after reclamation projects in the past. And, if he is healthy, Wilson could help solidify a rotation that is still reeling from the loss of Jose Fernandez.
Even though C.J. Wilson has not thrown a pitch in a year and a half, he is still an intriguing option in free agency. At the right price, Wilson could be the type of middle of the rotation piece that quite a few teams could use.
Nathan Eovaldi is going to miss the entire 2017 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, he could be an interesting piece for 2018 and beyond.
A pitcher who tantalizes with his high octane fastball, Nathan Eovaldi has been an enigma in the Majors. It is clear that the talent is there, but for some reason, it has not come together for him just yet.
After tearing a ligament and tendon in his elbow last year, Eovaldi underwent Tommy John surgery, which will cost him the entire 2017 season. Understandably, the New York Yankees designated him for assignment, preferring to make him a free agent than to pay his salary. Even though it is possible that the Yankees could bring him back, that decision could prove to be beneficial for a team looking at 2018 and beyond.
Despite his 38-46 record and 4.21 WHiP, Eovaldi has had moments of brilliance. He led the American League with a .824 winning percentage in 2015, and from April 25 through May 29, posted a 6-0 record with a 2.72 ERA, striking out 35 batters against 12 walks in 43 innings of work. Those stretches show what Eovaldi is capable of, although his inconsistency can be frustrating.
Yet, once he is recovered, Eovaldi will only be 28 years old and just entering his prime. While it takes time to come back from this procedure, Eovaldi still has quite a bit of promise, and theoretically, time, to fulfill his immense potential. It just may take a couple of years for him to get there.
If a team is able to sign Nathan Eovaldi to a multi-year contract with a couple of team options, it could prove to be a bargain. Teams looking at 2018 and beyond as their window of opportunity to contend could do well to bring Eovaldi on board.
Greg Holland was a key part of the Kansas City Royals success. Even after missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, he could still be in line for a big payday.
For a three year span, Greg Holland was one of the best closers in all of the MLB. A dominant force in the ninth inning, he was a key part of the Kansas City Royals resurgence, the final part of a dominant bullpen that has changed the way teams are building their roster these days.
Even though he tore his ulnar collateral ligament in 2014, he pitched through the pain throughout the postseason and into the 2015 campaign. Even then, he still produced a solid year, with 32 saves and a 3.83 ERA before succumbing to the pain in September. His biggest issue was with his control, as Holland walked 26 batters in 44.2 innings of work.
Recently, Holland held a showcase to show teams that he is, in fact, healthy once again. Although his velocity was down, it was more important that he was pain free and looked more like the Holland of old. In that case, his workout was a success, with several teams intrigued by the former Royals closer.
Now that the top three free agent closers have signed, those teams who are still looking for bullpen help may find Greg Holland to be the perfect option. At a fraction of the cost, they could get an excellent closer as long as he is healthy.
Jered Weaver may not have nearly the same velocity, but in the right situation, he could still be a useful part of a starting rotation.
For years, Jered Weaver managed to remain effective, although his fastball velocity had decreased to alarming levels. Barely able to crack the 80 MPH mark, he had been able to fool the opposition just enough to have balls hit right at his defense, or to frustrate batters by getting them to hit the ball just off the sweet spot.
That ability to avoid trouble has deserted him over the past two years. After leading the American League with 18 wins in 2014, Weaver has a 19-24 record with a 4.86 ERA. However, his WHiP, at 1.353, has not been terrible. The issue has been the 61 home runs that he has surrendered in his 337 innings of work in the past two seasons.
In the right ballpark, Weaver may be a useful piece once more. On a team that plays in a decidedly pitcher friendly stadium, Weaver may be able to avoid those home run issues. On a team with an excellent outfield defense, those long fly balls could also turn into outs, helping him get back to being something similar to what he was in 2014.
Chances are, Jered Weaver will get a one year, incentive laden contract to prove that he can be an effective pitcher once more. On the right team, Weaver could be exactly that.
Derek Holland looked like one of the better young pitchers in the MLB, until injuries derailed his career.
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From 2011 through 2013, Derek Holland looked like he was going to develop into one of the better young pitchers in the game. He had posted a 38-21 record with a solid 3.98 ERA and a 1.289 WHiP, striking out 496 batters in 586.1 innings. He led the American League with four shutouts in 2011, and as he entered his prime, seemed destined to become one of the better pitchers on the Texas Rangers.
However, injuries have derailed his career. From a knee injury that happened when he fell down the stairs in his home to shoulder issues, Holland has only thrown 203 innings in the past three years. Even when he has been on the mound, he has not been effective, as his strikeout rate has decreased while posting a 4.30 ERA.
And yet, there are still reasons why Holland should be sought after. He does pack a mid 90’s fastball, and as a 30 year old lefty, he should still be in his prime. If healthy, he may be closer to the 2011-2013 pitcher than he was over the past three years. He would be a high risk signing, but could also provide a big return.
Next: Astros starting pitcher targets
There is still a chance that Derek Holland can become a valuable starter once again. Even if he struggles in the rotation, a lefty that throws in the mid 90’s could be a solid piece in the bullpen, making him an interesting signing.