The Oakland Athletics made a somewhat surprising decision to not bring back one of their more reliable starting pitchers last season. However, as the organization has a long history of financial constraints, this specific non-tender decision is understandable.
Mike Fiers is projected to receive a $9.70 million salary ahead of next season following his strong performance last season through 31 appearances. As the Oakland Athletics have many players set to receive arbitration raises (such as Khris Davis and his expected $18.10 million payday), Fiers was unfortunately not offered a contract due to the A’s long history of payroll constraints.
Although the Athletics will likely attempt to bring Fiers back into the fold next season, allowing him to reach free agency gives other teams the opportunity to make him a contract offer this offseason. As Fiers put together a 12-8 record alongside a 3.56 ERA, a 4.75 FIP, and a 1.180 WHIP through 172.0 innings pitched last season, he will likely have a plethora of landing spots to choose for next season.
The Chicago Cubs have a lot of high-priced starting pitching options in the mix with Jon Lester ($27.50 million), Cole Hamels ($20.00 million), Yu Darvish ($20.00 million), Tyler Chatwood ($12.50 million), and Jose Quintana ($10.50 million), however, as Darvish and Chatwood did not add value to the team last season, it may be worth it for the organization to bring in another starting pitcher.
After all, Fiers does have four straight seasons with at least 29 appearances alongside pitching at least 153.1 innings per season as well during this time. Despite allowing 32 home runs in each of the last two seasons, Fiers has compiled an impressive 25 quality starts during this same timeframe. His propensity for quality starts would provide much-needed stability to the Cubs rotation.