Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Free Agency: The top 30 free agents for 2018-2019

By David Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty images)
(Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty images) /

14. J.A. Happ

It is amazing how much of a difference a trade can make.

While J.A. Happ was having a solid year with the Blue Jays, he was a middle tier starter, the type of pitcher that could get a two or three year deal without causing much of a reaction. No one would expect Happ to be a key component on a winning franchise as a top of the rotation starter. Then, he was traded to the Yankees, where he had an impressive run over the final two months of the season.

Overall, Happ posted a 17-6 record with a respectable 3.65 ERA and a 1.131 WHiP, striking out 193 batters against 51 walks in 177.2 innings. He made his first All Star Game last season, a tribute to his solid performance in Toronto. However, with the Yankees, Happ turned into a star, posting a 7-0 record with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.052 WHiP, striking out 63 batters with 16 walks over 63.2 innings.

Happ’s track record shows what he has been – a middle of the rotation arm who is capable of providing approximately 30 starts a season. Yet, those two months may lead to an overpay, with some team gambling on a renaissance in the latter part of his career. At 36 years old, that seems highly unlikely.

J.A. Happ comes with some risk, depending on his anticipated role. As a middle of the rotation arm, he is a solid option. But to be a second starter? That is asking for trouble.

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