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 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Mark Buehrle

At thirty-six years old, Mark Buehrle can still pitch. During the 2015 season with the Toronto Blue Jays he went 15-8 with a 3.98 ERA over 198 2/3 innings pitched, struck out 91 batters and only surrendered 33 walks. Clearly he has no trouble eating innings as he has topped 200 innings fourteen times in his career and has amassed an impressive career record of 214-60 and has never had a negative WAR.

At this point in his career the five-time all-star is the definition of a crafty left-hander, but has plenty left to offer for any team in need of a back-end starter. Buerhle’s best weapon is his plus-plus command in which he features five pitches that he can throw for a strike in any count. Hitters are consistently off-balanced against him and left-handed hitters are at a disadvantage. Age is starting to play a part though, his fastball velocity is heading in the wrong direction and his off-speed pitches don’t have the same bite to them as they did earlier in his career. Regardless, you can count on Buehrle to battle every fifth day and he is definitely worth a one-year incentive laden deal. The Dodgers, Padres, Royals, Brewers, and Angels could be potential landing spots.

Next: 7. Justin Morneau

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