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 /

4 of 11

Aug 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Doug Fister (33) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Doug Fister, SP

As one of the more underrated starting pitchers in the game for a number of seasons, Fister seemed poised to receive a nice contract upon entering his free agent years. However, a poor 2015 season has put Fister’s stock way down, and he may now be forced into taking a one-year deal.

Fister put up the worst numbers of his career in just about every category this season, including a 4.19 ERA (4.55 FIP) over 103 innings per FanGraphs. Injuries were a huge part of that poor season, as Fister missed significant time early on with a forearm problem and his velocity slid to the lowest mark of his career.

If Fister can get healthy next year, he can get back to the excellent control and heavy groundball tendencies that made him a strong mid-level starter for a number of seasons. That’s a huge “if” at 31 years old, but Fister still has the potential to provide some upside for cheap.

Even if Fister’s arm is too injured to get back to being a decent starter, he could provide some value as a reliever. The Washington Nationals moved Fister to the bullpen in August, and he closed out the season with 10 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Pirates have had great success with free agent pitchers like Fister and could be a logical suitor for him.

Next: Steve Pearce, 1B/2B/OF

Home/Baltimore Orioles