With the World Series nearly wrapped up, it’s never too early to look at everyone’s favorite offseason topic — free agency. This year’s class is rather interesting, with a host of traditionally big names available. Starting pitching is a premium position for all clubs, and as such there will be no shortage of interest for the following names. After carefully analyzing those who will be entering the market this winter, here are five of the better starting pitcher options available.
5. Walker Buehler
Buehler is in an interesting spot. He had a very up-and-down regular season with the Dodgers. Coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, he struggled to acclimate to life without a fastball touching 100 miles per hour. However, in traditional Buehler form, he’s been excellent in the postseason. This included a five-inning effort in the World Series versus the Yankees in which he allowed zero runs. His fastball still touches 96 MPH on a good day, and the work on his secondary pitches (cutter, sweeper, knucklecurve) seems to be improving. With how good of a postseason pitcher he is, coupled with his experience and competitiveness, someone will bet on him. Don’t be shocked if the Dodgers try ardently for a reunion.
4. Jack Flaherty
Flaherty inked a 1-year deal with Detroit at the beginning of the season hoping to reestablish his value. He did that — and much more based on his current standing. He had a sub-3.00 ERA for most of the year and was dealt to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. He’s been stable all year long as an innings eater with two elite off-speed pitches. In postseason play, Flaherty has been generally good save for the occasional stinker. Under the age of 30, he should have a robust market assuming his back checks out. He’s another the Dodgers could opt to bring back considering his age and the fact he grew up a massive Dodgers fan a stone’s throw from Dodger Stadium.
3. Max Fried
We might sound like a broken record here, but Fried is another pitcher conceivably with interest from the Dodgers. Like Buehler, Fried is battle-tested in postseason play. He’s an elite competitor, a multi-time All-Star, one of the best fielding pitchers in all of baseball, and — like high school teammate Flaherty — grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles as a major Dodgers fan idolizing both Clayton Kershaw and Sandy Koufax. Fried’s main issue is staying healthy. When he is available, few are as good from the left side as he is. He’s got a career record of 73-36 with a 3.07 ERA. Expect the soon-to-be 31-year-old to get paid handsomely by someone.
2. Blake Snell
Snell is a premier arm in the game today. Approaching his 32nd birthday, the 2-time winner of the Cy Young Award has nasty stuff. An elite fastball paired with a devastating slider makes him among the best players ready to hit the market. You can assume every single contender will check in on him throughout this process — particularly those teams in need of starting pitching help. Chief among them would include the Mets, Braves, Cubs, Red Sox, Astros, and perhaps the Yankees.
1. Corbin Burnes
Burnes is the crown jewel of this class. A durable starter, he’s proven to be elite in both leagues. His stuff doesn’t figure to age poorly given Burnes impetus on movement rather than raw velocity. The Orioles would love to have the California native back. However, everyone with deep pockets will surely be after his services. It could be a real bidding war in this case considering Burnes is represented by Scott Boras. At only 30 years of age, there’s plenty of good baseball left in his talented right arm.
