Pitchers are in high demand by quite a few teams this offseason, looking to complete a playoff contending roster. Here’s a look at 10 pitchers who could potentially be dealt by Opening Day 2015.
1. Cole Hamels, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Hamels’ name has been involved in several trade rumors for some time now. The Phillies haven’t been competitive in the NL East for a couple of seasons, and could look to deal their ace for the right price. Philly would also create some flexibility in their payroll, as Hamels is set to make $22.5 million each year over the next four seasons.
Last year, Hamels finished the season with a 9-9 record, 2.46 ERA, and 198 strikeouts. The Phillies starter has a no-trade clause involving 20 teams, but that list could be altered.
While the Phillies may want to hold on to Hamels, he is a valuable trade chip that will draw some attention from teams in need of depth in their rotation.
2. Jeff Samardzija, Starting Pitcher, Oakland A’s
The Cubs dealt Samardzija to the A’s mid-season, along with Jason Hammel, in exchange for some of Oakland’s top prospects. Samardzija was a big part of the A’s rotation last year, but it has been reported that Billy Beane will listen to offers regarding the right-handed pitcher, but isn’t looking to shop him.
Samardzija finished the 2014 season with a 7-13 record and 2.99 ERA with 202 strikeouts. While the A’s rotation would be much stronger with Samardzija next season, they gave up a lot for him. And if the price is right, Beane would be willing to deal the righty to help the club in the future.
3. Scott Kazmir, Starting Pitcher, Oakland A’s
Samardzija isn’t the only pitcher the A’s are talking about potentially moving, as Kazmir’s name has also been thrown around. Kazmir was the A’s ace last year, in a comeback season in which he went 15-9 with a 3.55 ERA and 164 strikeouts. The lefty is due $13 million this year.
Looking at the A’s rotation for the 2015 season, they will have good pitching depth, but as is the case with Samardzija, it would have to be a dynamic offer for Beane to deal Kazmir. Just because he is willing to listen to offers, doesn’t mean he won’t decide to keep him, and the majority of last year’s roster, in an effort to make another playoff run in the tough AL West.
4. Mark Buehrle, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays
Buehrle had one of the best seasons of his career in 2014, going 13-10 with a 3.39 ERA, and 119 strikeouts. The southpaw is owed $19 million this year, and with the pitching staff the Blue Jays have, they could trade Buehrle to free up some salary space to sign a few free agents.
The Jays could use a big-name bat in the lineup, and with Buehrle’s 2014 season, he will draw a lot of interest around the league.
5. Mat Latos, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
Although Latos had three separate injuries that kept him out for the majority of 2014, he could be a valuable trade piece for the Reds; especially after a disappointing 76-86 season. While the market may not be great for Latos, teams should show interest in the 26-year-old righty.
In 16 starts last year, Latos went 5-5 with a 3.25 ERA and 74 strikeouts.
With the Reds in need of some outfield depth, Latos could be dealt to a team with a surplus of outfielders and a need of pitching.
6. Johnny Cueto, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds would certainly bring in a great return if they decide to deal Cueto after his phenomenal season last year. Cueto gives the Reds the best chance to win and is their ace, so it’s difficult to see them trading him before the start of the season. Now, if by the trade deadline, the Reds show struggles Cueto would be a prime candidate at that point.
Cueto went 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA and 242 strikeouts last year.
7. Ian Kennedy, Starting Pitcher, San Diego Padres
The Padres need to bring in some offensive weapons this offseason, and Kennedy could help them accomplish that. Kennedy’s name has been involved in trade rumors since last year, but no team offered a good enough deal at the deadline. The Padres would expect a lot in return for Kennedy due to his reliability over the years.
Last season, Kennedy went 13-13 with a 3.63 ERA and 207 strikeouts. With the Padres in search of better offensive production, Kennedy would be a prime trade piece to bring in a good return to further improve this San Diego club.
8. Taijuan Walker, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners just missed out on the playoffs last year as a result of poor offensive production. The M’s bats struggled to score runs, especially in the beginning of the season, as they were ranked last in the American League in OBP.
Walker is a good, young prospect who could bring some interest this offseason. In eight games, five starts, Walker went 2-3 with a 2.61 ERA and 34 strikeouts. The M’s could look to trade their youngster with a lot of potential for an immediate impact bat to help bring some more runs across the plate.
9. Bartolo Colon, Starting Pitcher, New York Mets
The Mets finished the 2014 season with a record of 79-83, and could be looking to deal Colon this offseason. With the Mets already having several talented pitchers, both already in the rotation and awaiting in the minors, they could trade the veteran pitcher for some offensive help.
Last season, Colon went 15-13 with a 4.09 ERA and 151 strikeouts. He has already proven to have an impact on playoff contending teams, as he was an important factor of the A’s starting rotation in 2013, and continued his success last year in New York. Colon is set to make $11 million next season at 41-years-old, which could affect his interest this winter, but regardless is a top trade option for the Mets.
10. Zach McAllister, Starting Pitcher, Cleveland Indians
In 15 starts with the Indians last year, McAllister went 4-7 with a 5.23 ERA and 74 strikeouts, but had a great September posting a 2.84 ERA, which will boost his trade value.
With McAllister being out of options, Cleveland may look to deal him this offseason, and he could be a valuable addition to clubs looking for rotation help in 2015.