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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) walks off the mound after the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) walks off the mound after the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Jason Hammel, RHP

Surprisingly, there has been very little chatter regarding Hammel and his potential suitors. He has met with the Yankees, and the Pirates are also seen as a fit, but there is little in terms of concrete offers or interest. That is surprising given the lack of starting pitching in this year’s class of free agents.

Hammel is only 34, and has made over 30 appearances in each of the past three seasons. He is good for close to 170 innings a season and an ERA between 3.50 and 3.75. Hammel has good control, and still gets close to seven strikeouts per nine. He will not average more than six innings per start, and can be plagued by the home run from time to time.

Hammel would be a great fit for the Yankees after they missed out on Rich Hill. Their rotation still needs help, and if they are going to spend close to $90 million on Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees really should try to field a more competitive team over the next two years. The Pirates could look to sign Hammel for two years to maximize the final two years with Andrew McCutchen after botching their attempt to trade him. Hammel is very familiar with the NL Central.

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