Free Agency Predictions: Round 1 Top Starting Pitchers

Nov 5, 2020

4 min read

Updated: Nov 8, 2020

By Michael Foulks, Sports O'Clock Writing Team Member

Trevor Bauer (Left), James Paxton (Center), and Taijuan Walker (Right), all apart of Free Agency class of 2021.

Trevor Bauer, Age: 30, Teams Interested: LAD, HOU, NYY, CIN, ATL, NYM, TOR, CHW, LAA

Signs with HOU 1 yr/$30 million

Trevor Bauer is an interesting complexity. In the past he has had issues with the media, fans, and even his coaching staff, but there is no denying his talent. This year he put up CY Young worthy numbers: 1.73 ERA in 73 innings pitched, 12 K/9 ratio and a 35% ground ball rate. He has stated numerous times over the course of his career that he does not like long contracts and he prefers one year terms. With Justin Verlander sidelined by Tommy John surgery, a reliable and proven ace is a must have for the Astros if they want to have a shot in the division.

Masahiro Tanaka, Age: 32, Teams Interested: NYY, TOR, LAA, MIN

Signs with NYY 3 yrs/$40 million

Since coming over to the Yankees after the 2013 season, Tanaka has been nothing but their best and most consistent pitcher. He is not always the best regular season pitcher, but he has proven time and time again he turns it on in the playoffs. Tanaka loves being a New York Yankees and the front office loves Tanaka, a mutual agreement is considerably high for his return. Especially with a lot of uncertainty with their rotation outside of someone named Cole, having a reliable pitcher like Tanaka is essential to capture #28.

Marcus Stroman, Age: 29, Team Interested: LAA, PHI, NYM, WAS, HOU

Signs with LAA 4 yrs/$60 million

Following Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman is the best starting pitcher on the Free Agency market. Due to injury at the beginning of the season and opting-out he will be freshly rested for a return to the mound in 2021. During his 2019 season, he posted a 3.22 ERA and 159 strikeouts in 849.1 innings. He is not a certifiable ace, but he is a extremely strong #2 pitcher. The Angels had a team ERA of 5.09 for the season, for a team that doesn’t want to waste the prime years of Mike Trout, they NEED to spend money on better pitching. Stroman can be the first piece to building a playoff team.

Jake Odorizzi, Age: 31, Team Interested: TOR, DET, MIN, OAK, LAA

Signs with OAK 2 yrs/$25 million

Billy Beane is gone after spending the last few decades in the front office, I guess he got tired of being under 50 feet of crap. This team never spends any money on the roster but this offseason they have to. The lineup is extremely good but, the pitching is still the weakness, if they want to take over the division in a full season, it’s time to invest in pitching. Jake Odorizzi isn’t a top notch ace, but he can help out tremendously.

James Paxton, Age: 32, Teams Interested: CHW, NYY, MIN, ATL, OAK

Signs with CHW 1 yr/$13 million

Well James Paxton 2020 season was over before it really even began. Started in just 5 games, throwing just 20.1 innings, 6.51 ERA and 15 earned runs before injuries cut the shortened season even shorter. His whole career has been plagued with injuries, with throwing over 150 innings just twice in seven years. Chances are he will sign a one year deal to try and raise his stock and get a longer term contract after 2021. Chicago is in need for pitching and both are eager to prove they deserve more. South-side will be the landing spot for the Big Maple.

Adam Wainwright, Age: 39, Teams Interested: STL

Signs with STL 1 year/$6 million

Entering his age 39th season Uncle Charlie will most likely don the cardinals uniform for the 16th season. With the shortened season he still proved to be effective posting a 5-3 record with 3.15 ERA in 65.2 innings. He has been a fan favorite in the St Louis area forever and after winning them 2 World Series titles on 3 trips it’s hard not to see him return. Do not be surprised to see his best friend back behind the plate at the start of next season too.

Charlie Morton, Age: 37, Teams Interested: NYM, NYY, TB, HOU

Signs with NYY 1 yr/$9 million*

*If Yankees do not sign Tanaka

Signs with HOU 1 yr/$9 million

Charlie Morton has been an unsung hero on a lot of teams he has played for throughout this career. After making the World Series with the Rays, they have declined the club option making him a free agent. During his two year stint with the Rays, he was a CY Young finalist, finishing third in voting, and then in 2020 suffered some injuries but was above average during the postseason. If he does not retire he will be a great addition to a WS contender.

Honorable Mentions:

Corey Kluber, Age: 34, Signs with Minnesota 2 yrs/$20 million

Cole Hamels, Age: 36, Signs with Atlanta 1 yr/$8 million

Rick Porcello, Age: 32, Signs with Kansas City 1 yr/$5 million

Jon Lester, Age: 36, Signs with Boston 1 yr/$6 million

JA Happ, Age: 37, Signs with Boston 1 yr/$5 million

Mike Minor, Age: 33, Signs with Angels 2 yrs/$18 million

All we can do know is wait and see where these players go this winter. Cheers to another off season of patiently waiting for moves to happen.