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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
Oct 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles mascot “Oriole Bird” sheers in the stands against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are probably the most surprising team on this list. However, they could also use Jason Hammel’s help more than anyone. Their pitching for 2016 could be split into two parts. The starting pitching was mediocre at best while their bullpen was arguably the best in baseball.

Starters Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman solidified themselves as quality starting pitchers, but after that, the group was full of sub-par talent. Yovani Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Wade Miley were borderline awful for the majority of the year. And if the Orioles look towards the future, Dylan Bundy needs to be considered.

The Orioles are surprising to be on this list because they basically have six starters for five rotation spots as they stand now. However, all six names could be dealt this winter to upgrade elsewhere. Three of those names, Gallardo, Miley, and Ubaldo, are the most likely to be on the trading block as Baltimore attempts to get rid of some of their dead weight.

The Orioles will look to keep their salary total relatively low and manageable so Jason Hammel could figure in as a strong option. After Hammel’s $12 million option was declined, he entered the free agent pool but may not receive an offer north of $12M per year. The Orioles will not be acquiring any aces this winter since any would be outside of the team’s price range, but Hammel could be brought in relatively cheap while Miley, Gallardo, or Ubaldo are dealt.

Furthermore, Hammel pitched for Baltimore in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. After leaving the O’s, Hammel had strong seasons as an Athletic and a Cub. He should be able to carry that forward in Baltimore despite turning 34 this coming season. As long as the offense does their job, Hammel’s contributions of average pitching should keep the club in games down the stretch and he could help them slip into playoffs similarly to how the team did in 2016.

Since leaving the Orioles, Hammel has had some of his better seasons in a Cubs and Athletics uniforms. He is going to be 34 this coming season, so his best years are likely behind him. But that does not mean he is a bad option for the O’s. He could provide average performance that should keep the club in the games he pitches as long as the offense does their job.

Hammel has proven to be a valuable starter that can win a lot of games. The Orioles have a desperate need for that as their division continues to get more competitive. The only problem, though, is there is a bit of a log-jam that they need to solve.

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