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 25, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) throws a pitch in the third inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Wei-Yin Chen, SP

In a deep starting pitching class, Chen stands out as the player most likely to end up being an excellent bargain for whatever team ends up signing him.

Chen was the most reliable starter for Baltimore in 2015, posting a 3.34 ERA (4.16 FIP) over 191.1 innings per FanGraphs. That was the lowest ERA mark of Chen’s career, and he’s continued to show improvements every year that make him an intriguing mid-tier starting pitcher moving forward.

While Chen has a flyball tendency and gives up a fair number of home runs, his numbers should get even better when he moves on from the tiny confines of Camden Yards. Chen has been successful in his career by pounding the strike zone and inducing weak contact, and only seems to be getting better with more major league experience.

A few teams who can’t afford one of the three aces will likely take interest in pitchers like Jordan Zimmermann or Scott Kazmir. Chen posted similar numbers to both of them this year, but likely won’t command anywhere near the same contract, making him a potential bargain.

Chen could also be a nice secondary target for one of the teams who adds an ace. The Tigers or Red Sox could be in the market for multiple starting pitchers, and Chen would be a good fit for either.

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