MLB Free Agency: 10 potential free agent bargains

Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) reacts as he comes out of the game during the fourth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (49) throws during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Yovani Gallardo, SP

Gallardo unexpectedly put together one of the best seasons of his career as a key member of Texas’ rotation and now could be one of the better bargains on the free agent market. Gallardo is also younger than many of the starting pitchers on the open market and has shown excellent durability, meaning he carries less risk than several other potential bargins.

After spending the first seven seasons of his solid career with Milwaukee, Gallardo was traded to the Rangers in the offseason in what would become a critical move in their surprising run to the AL West title. Gallardo posted a 3.42 ERA (4.00 FIP) over 184.1 innings according to FanGraphs, the lowest mark of his career to date.

While Gallardo doesn’t strike out as many batters as he used to, he’s still finding ways to be successful. Gallardo limited home runs very well despite pitching in Texas and generated ground balls at nearly a 50 percent rate.

Those numbers are worthy of a No. 2 starter, but Gallardo likely won’t require that big of a contract. At 29 years old, Gallardo should have a couple of strong seasons left, and a three or four-year deal could be a nice bargain.

If the Rangers don’t re-sign Gallardo, the Royals or San Francisco Giants could be among his top suitors.

Next: Wei-Yin Chen, SP

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