*Photo from the New York Times*
Let's take a look at the 10 best free agent pitchers on the market.
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Gerrit Cole, SP
Cole had an incredible 2019 season pitching for the Houston Astros, and was an instrumental member of their world series run, although they ultimately fell one game short. He's projected to become the highest paid pitcher in baseball, and plenty of teams will be in the mix for his talent. He had 326 strikeouts, and the Astros will receive a draft pick if he signs elsewhere because he has been extended a qualifying offer.
*Photo from NBC Washington*
Stephen Strasburg, SP
Strasburg, the world series MVP, has opted out of his deal with the Nationals, though he could still come back. He left $100 million on the table by opting out, and should make more in free agency. He stayed healthy all year, and is a postseason warrior, which is what a few teams will be looking for.
*Photo from Sports Illustrated*
Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP
Ryu had a resurgent season with the Dodgers, and is a Cy Young finalist. He is interested in staying with the Dodgers, but there surely will be lots of teams looking to pry him away. Whoever wants to sign him should take into consideration that Ryu is 33, and a long term deal is risky.
*Photo from Newsday*
Zack Wheeler, SP
The Mets bought Marcus Stroman at the deadline and refused to trade Noah Syndergaard, so Wheeler's chances of re-signing with the team are slim. He's not a top of the rotation guy, but he provides middle and back end help, and there are plenty of teams that need it. Over his last 6 starts in 2019, he allowed 8 runs. His best days could be ahead of him, as he is only 29.
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Madison Bumgarner, SP
Bumgarner is not one of the best pitchers in baseball, but with his skill, he should get a nice payday this winter. He was durable in 2019, throwing over 200 innings, and durability is what teams need. He increased his velocity, and will draw many suitors. He has a qualifying offer, so San Fran will get a draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
*Photo from Talking Chop*
Dallas Keuchel, SP
Keuchel is 32, so a long term deal could be risky given the age. Regardless, Keuchel is a nice piece for a rotation, solidifying the top or middle of it. He pitched very well in Atlanta, and will be getting paid in the winter. He did have a career high ERA with Atlanta, but he is still reliable.
*Photo from Sports Illustrated*
Jake Odorizzi, SP
Odorizzi has a qualifying offer, so he's attached to draft pick compensation. He had a solid year with the Twins, and can fortify the middle of the rotation, and can be as high as a second starter. His 15 wins were a career best, and his ERA was his lowest since 2015. Odorizzi is not an innings eater, so that could draw a few teams away.
*Photo from the Mercury News*
Will Smith, RP
Smith was excellent for the Giants in 2019, and will fortify the back end of the bullpen as either a closer or setup man. He saved a sterling 34 games last season, so teams looking for a consistent closer can turn to Smith. He is an NL reliever of the year finalist, and held opponents to a .196 batting average. He'll get at least a multi year contract this winter. He does have a qualifying offer on the table.
*Photo from Sporting News*
Julio Teheran
Teheran had a bad September for the Braves, and his option was declined. He is a two time all star, and has started 6 opening day games. He's not an ace, but he can be a force in the back of the rotation, or perhaps as a long reliever. He'll get a nice payday, and maybe a few years as well. He is also consistent, making at least 30 starts in the last 7 years.
*Photo from NBC Sports*
Cole Hamels, SP
Hamels isn't the dominating ace he once was, but is still serviceable and consistent. When he's healthy, he's a solid middle of the rotation pitcher for a team looking for some pitching depth. He's a 4 time all star, but has dealt with some injury problems the last few seasons. He should get around two or three years. Anything longer would be risky due to age, as Hamels is 36.
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