Padres Editorial: Boom or Bust! All-Time Best/Worst Free Agent Pitchers Part I

Mandatory Credit: espn.go.com

#1 Jason Schmidt, Los Angeles Dodgers (2007) 3 years-47 million

Despite a steady decrease in velocity, the Los Angeles Dodgers attempted to steal their rival’s best pitcher. Schmidt was indeed the San Francisco Giants’ best pitcher, but those in and around the baseball world were well aware of his dip in velocity. Schmidt was a power pitcher and without his four-seam fastball in the high 90’s, he was nothing more but a shell of himself.

After his third start as a Dodger, Schmidt came out with shoulder issues. He ended up missing 1 1/2 years after getting his shoulder completely rebuilt. In 2009 he briefly played again, but ultimately hurt his shoulder and was forced to retire.

Career for the Dodger….10 starts and a 3-6 record with a 6.02 ERA and a 1.708 WHIP. Schmidt earned $4.7 million per start and a HORRENDOUS $15.7 million per win! Even though this wasn’t a long commitment or $100 million dollar contract, in sheer value this was the worst free agent pitcher acquisition in the history of the game.

Next: Any Free Agents That Can Help The Padres?

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