MLB free agency is here, and we’ve already seen some pretty major splashes.
The chaos is just getting started, however, and there are many more dominoes left to fall.
This free-agent class is loaded with quality starting pitchers.
Most of the attention is being given to superstar arms like Max Scherzer, Marcus Stroman, Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, and others.
But this free-agent class also features some really solid starters that aren’t being talked about enough.
Here’s who those guys are.
3. Danny Duffy
Danny Duffy had a frustrating 2021 season.
His year got off to a fantastic start with the Kansas City Royals, as he registered a 2.51 ERA and 184 ERA+ over his first 13 outings.
Danny Duffy, Filthy 84mph Slider…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/T239efu6pX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 6, 2021
Unfortunately, his first 13 outings were also the last appearances of his campaign.
The lefty began dealing with a flexor strain over the summer, then he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline.
L.A. was hoping to get Duffy back in time for the stretch run, but it never happened.
The 32-year-old didn’t throw a pitch for the Dodgers, and he’s now a free agent.
Duffy’s injury is somewhat of a mystery at this point, and it’ll be interesting to see how many teams show interest in him as a result.
But one thing is for sure: If Duffy is healthy in 2022 and pitches like his 2021 self, then he’s going to make some MLB club very happy.
2. Corey Kluber
It seems safe to call Corey Kluber underrated at this point in his career.
He might not be the player he once was, but he still has some gas left in the tank.
The righty missed some time in the 2021 season due to injury, but when he was available, he was really solid.
He pitched to a 3.83 ERA, 3.85 FIP, and 112 ERA+ over 16 starts.
During his prime, Kluber was an elite arm.
Over a five-season span from 2014 to 2018, he posted a 2.85 ERA and won two Cy Young awards.
While he’s not a Cy Young candidate anymore, he’s definitely capable of helping a club out.
He can probably best be described as a middle-of-the-rotation arm at this stage of his career.
Kluber, 35, is still looking for his first World Series title, so it would make sense for him to want to join a contender this offseason.
1. Rich Hill
Age is just a number to Rich Hill.
The southpaw is still going strong at the age of 41, and he’s seemingly more than capable of pitching another year.
In 2021, he posted a 3.86 ERA over 32 outings.
The 7th K on the night for Rich Hill! pic.twitter.com/Nc8azoeo8w
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 9, 2021
Across 143 outings (125 starts) since the start of the 2014 MLB campaign, Hill has maintained a 3.15 ERA, 3.67 FIP, and 129 ERA+.
That’s very reliable production.
The veteran might run out of steam eventually, but it certainly hasn’t happened yet.
Several teams could use a lefty in their rotation, and Hill will likely come at a low price to whichever club signs him this offseason.
Like Kluber, Hill is still trying to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning a ring, so he’s probably hoping to land with a contending squad.
NEXT: What Happened To Billy Wagner? (Complete Story)
