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MLB Free Agency: 7 best pitchers left on the market

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts after throwing a complete game to defeat the New York Mets in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts after throwing a complete game to defeat the New York Mets in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) delivers a pitch in first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) delivers a pitch in first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Hisashi Iwakuma

Hisashi Iwakuma only started 20 games last season due to early season injuries. However, he checks in at No. 2 because his talent is arguably better than the 5 pitchers that preceded him on this list.

Since coming over from Japan in 2012, Iwakuma has been a steady No. 2 starter presence for the Seattle Mariners. His production has been quiet, as the team from the Pacific Northwest often doesn’t get coverage due to their location. A 3.17 ERA over four seasons, along with this ridiculous 1.08 WHIP and a solid 7.6 strikeouts per 9 innings mark proves he can fit behind a No. 1 starter.

The only thing holding back Iwakuma is his age (34). He will turn 35 in early Apr., which may limit the contract he receives. However, his talent hasn’t faded despite the increase in age.

For those who say Safeco Field is helping his numbers, it’s actually the complete opposite. He had a 4.37 ERA at home last season and a 2.56 ERA on the road. Maybe getting out of Seattle will make his numbers better than ever.

It’s possible Iwakuma could head back to Seattle given it’s one of the closer MLB cities to Japan. Other teams in the AL West or NL West like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants or Arizona Diamondbacks could be options for his services.

Next: No. 1 Johnny Cueto

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