Fansided

10 biggest bargains in MLB free agency

By Jackson Shannon

May 20, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Ian Kennedy

Although the veteran thirty-one-year-old right-hander sported a meager 4.28 ERA and a win-loss record of 9-13, he offers upside and stability to teams looking for a back end starter. With a career record of 75-68 and a career ERA of 3.98, you can count on Kennedy to compete every fifth day when given the ball. Kennedy topped 200 innings and sported a 3.63 ERA in 2014 and led the National League in wins with 21 in 2011. During the 2015 season, he struck out 174 batters in 168 innings and only walked 52 batters. Kennedy features four pitches, with a fastball that sits in the low 90’s, an average curveball and cutter, and a plus change-up which bodes well for pitchers in their thirties.

Kennedy was subject to trade speculation near the deadline but stayed put in San Diego. The Padres did offer him a qualifying offer so whomever he signs with will have to forfeit a 2016 draft pick making him an even riskier signing. With all that being said a two or three year deal with an average around seven million would be a bargain. The Cardinals, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, and Rockies could be potential landing spots.

Next: 9. Steve Pearce

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