#1. Andrew Chafin
2022: 2.83 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 0.9 fWAR
2023 Steamer projections via FanGraphs: 3.65 ERA, 3.67 FIP, 0.4 fWAR
Yes, number 1 on my list is a 32-year-old journeyman. After 5.5 up and down years with the Diamondbacks, he spent some time with the Cubs, Athletics, and Tigers most recently. In 2021, between Chicago and Oakland, he posted a 1.83 ERA and a 1.4 WAR over 68.2 innings. Those are not numbers to scoff at whatsoever.
According to Baseball Savant, his chase rate was in the 89th percentile last year, and his whiff rate was in the 87th. That is mostly due to his slider, which was practically unhittable. He has five seasons with a K/9 above 10 at this point, including last year.
Is there risk involved? Yes, of course there is. He declined his $6.5 million player option with the Tigers this offseason, so he obviously figures to make at least $7 million. However, the risk/reward for a player like Chafin at around $7 million would be too good for me to pass up.
Not to mention, have you ever seen his mustache?