The 2023 MLB Free Agent class is expected to have some fireworks. Whether it be Shohei Ohtani’s decision, or Blake Snell’s next home, the MLB is set to have some serious turnover.
Underneath all of the big headline pitchers though are some under-the-radar starting pitchers who are not being talked about enough. Starting pitching is one of the most premium positions in the league, so, in this blog, I will talk about 3 relatively cheap starting pitchers who could help your favorite team out next year.
RHP Luis Severino
Coming off a multitude of injury-riddled seasons, Luis Severino was primed to make an emphatic comeback and help the Yankees win the 2023 AL East pennant - but that was not the case. Severino was one of baseball’s worst pitchers this season, posting a 6.65 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. He struggled greatly with the long-ball as well, as he had the highest HR/9 ratio of his career, 2.32.
So, why should teams consider the oft-injured pitcher? Well, for starters, in Severino’s last fully healthy seasons, he was one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers, as he had a 3.19 ERA and 3.01 FIP over the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Furthermore, this case is far different from the Noah Syndergaard case - Severino’s fastball still has velocity. This season, Severino averaged 96.6 MPH on his fastball - only 0.4 MPH below his career average. Finally, Severino showed signs of putting it together before getting hurt in September, as in his last 4 starts he allowed only 6 ER over 21.2 IP (2.54 ERA), and struck out 18 during that stretch.
Severino’s price this offseason should be low, due to his injury history and poor performance last season. He is expected to receive a prove-it deal, and this minimal-risk deal should be one that both contending and rebuilding teams take a look at.
LHP Wade Miley
Unlike Severino, Miley had a stellar 2023 campaign with the Brewers, as he had a 3.14 ERA along with a 1.14 WHIP. Over the past 3 seasons, Miley has solidified himself as one of baseball’s most reliable left-handed pitchers, as he has a 3.22 ERA during that span.
In a league that is desperate for consistent starting pitching, Miley would be able to provide this for almost every team. The downside to Miley, however, is that he is 36, and it may not be wise to offer him a long-term contract. With his open-market value set to be in the $7-$11 million AAV range, a 2-year-deal for the southpaw may help fortify a contender’s rotation.
LHP James Paxton
Paxton is a vet with lots of playoff experience who could be a solid signing for most teams to sure up their rotations. This season, Paxton posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.31 WHIP - not overwhelming.
What Paxton has going for him is that this was his first somewhat healthy year since 2019, when he was at the top of his game (3.82 ERA, 1.28 WHIP). His peripheral statistics from that year resemble some of his peripherals this season, as in 2019 he had a 3.69 xERA and 4.03 xFIP, whereas in 2023 he had a 3.82 xERA and 3.98 xFIP.
Paxton is expected to receive anywhere from $8-$12 million dollars this offseason, and a team looking for a lefty in their rotation may look his way.
While these 3 players are not necessarily game-changers, they could be extremely valuable for their teams next season. MLB teams are always looking for depth at Starting Pitching, and these 3 players will be able to provide that, and more.
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