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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Jason Hammel

By Brendan Dlubala

Jul 22, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jason Hammel
Jul 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Miami Marlins logo on a batting helmet in the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have a gaping hole going into the winter at starting pitching that Jason Hammel can help fill. After the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez, the entire Marlins organization didn’t know what to do. Filling his shoes is impossible, but they must attempt to fill his rotation spot.

The Marlins also lost Andrew Cashner after he recently signed a 1-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth $10-million. Cashner was dealt to the Marlins from the San Diego Padres back in July. For the Marlins, Cashner went 1-4 with a 5.98 in 11 starts. Hammel, clearly, would be an immediate upgrade.

However, adding Jason Hammel might be a better for a different reason. The Marlins are incredibly young and lack veteran leadership. Martin Prado has been the captain of the team, but for the upcoming pitchers in the organization, there seems to be a hole.

With the loss of Fernandez and Cashner leaving, the starting rotation is made up of some mixture of:

  1. Adam Conley (26)
  2. Tom Koehler (30)
  3. Wei-Yin Chen (31)
  4. Justin Nicolino (25)
  5. Jose Urena (25), and
  6. Jake Esch (26)

Besides Wei-Yen Chen, there is a huge lack of experience on this rotation. Koehler is the next oldest but will only be entering his 6th season in the bigs. Meanwhile, Conley, Nicolino, and Urena have yet to meet the 50 games player milestone and Jake Esch made his major league debut this past season.

Hammel’s experience and his ability to produce quality starts would be a welcomed sight for a rotation that is still finding its way. The Marlins have few options in the free agent market and likely want to retain any valuable assets they have if they wish to be competitive in the coming seasons. Regardless if they rebuild or not, Hammel can help their youth move up and become quality veterans themselves.

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