Padres Editorial: Free Agent Hunt

Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Wei-Yin Chen

The 30 year-old from Taiwan pitched four years in Baltimore with a good track record. In only one of those four seasons has he failed to start at least 31 games. His career ERA is 3.72 (110 ERA+). While he has given up slightly more hits than he has innings pitched, Chen compensates with a career 2.2 BB/9.

More from Padres News

Projections have Chen making $18 million per year over a five-year contract. Being a year and a half older than Mike Leake but having a better ERA and being left-handed seem to offset each other. Chen is a better option than Leake, but, perhaps, still too expensive. He would fit in as a quite good number three. Looking at his past four years, he was valued around $15 million per year in wins. The Padres would be buying a little high considering most of the contract would likely be paying a declining Chen. Paying him $18 million per year would require that the Padres ship off salary or look to the trade market for a shortstop. The latter isn’t a bad option and is likely necessary.

But, the next man appears to be a better option.

Scott Kazmir

Kazmir has been a great story since the Indians took a risk and signed him for a comeback attempt in 2013. Since then, the lefty has averaged 31 starts and 177 innings along with a 3.54 ERA (109 ERA+) that has improved in each of these past three years. His 3.10 ERA last year was his career best.

More from Padres News

Kazmir has actually gotten better with age, which increases the soon-to-be 32 year old starter’s value. MLB Trade Rumors projects a four-year, $52 million ($13 million average) – the same as Kennedy and Gallardo. Of the three, he would be the best. Unless Robbie Erlin makes the team as the number five starter, the Padres do not have a lefty in the rotation. Note how they also don’t have a good lefty out of the bullpen. Despite his age, Kazmir might be the best option for Preller. The Padres could sign him and still afford a shortstop like Alexei Ramirez.

The knock against sign Kazmir is that Preller would be signing another early-30s veteran pitcher on a team that needs to be looking at the next few years as possible winners. I’m not sure I would buy this criticism, but that makes it no less legitimate.

Keegan’s free agent power rankings, best bang for the Padre buck, best signing for the team are as follows:

Scott Kazmir
Yovani Gallardo
Mat Latos
Wei-Yin Chen
Mike Leake
Hisashi Iwakuma
Ian Kennedy

Padres Editorial: Free Agent Hunt – Pitchers

Schedule