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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J.A. Happ, SP

Happ has been a moderatley succesful back-end starter for the majority of his career, posting a 3.61 ERA (3.41 FIP) in 31 starts between the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates last season according to FanGraphs.com. While Happ’s career numbers may not indicate a potential bargain, there are a reasons to be optimistic about his performance moving forward.

The 33-year-old was moved from Seattle at the trade deadline with little fanfare. However, after heading to Pittsburgh, Happ was dominant, posting a 1.85 ERA with over a strikeout per inning in 11 starts per Baseball Reference.

Pittsburgh has had fantastic success improving starters like Happ under pitching coach Ray Searage and assistant Jim Benedict. Whatever Searage told Happ worked perfectly, as he had the best stretch of his career in August and September.

If Happ can take those lessons from Pittsburgh, he’s going to provide a great bargain for some team in free agency. At 33 years old, Happ will likely only get about 3 years on his deal, but could provide major value at $8-10 million per season.

Pittsburgh is obviously a great fit for Happ and the team will have plenty of interest in bringing him back. If he heads elsewhere, the Kansas City Royals could be in the mix.

Next: Chris Iannetta, C

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