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10 starting pitchers the Philadelphia Phillies could target in free agency

By David Esser

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Sep 13, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) looks on as he walks to the dugout during the middle of the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) looks on as he walks to the dugout during the middle of the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Garrett Richards

2020 Team: San Diego Padres

2020 Salary: $9.24 million

It’s unlikely that the Padres would allow one of their better starting pitchers to walk out the door considering the fact that they considered themselves contenders at this year’s trade deadline, but with contract extensions looming for a few of their star players, it’s possible that they feel added money for Garrett Richards simply isn’t in their best interest.

After an injury-riddled 2019 season, Richards bounced back in 2020 in a big way. he posted a 4.03 ERA through 14 games for San Diego, even operating as a reliever at times when asked to do so.

Soon to be 33 years of age, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever see Richards pitch to the level that he did back during his Angels days (3.54 ERA across eight seasons), but he would at minimum provide the Philadelphia Phillies with a versatile option at the back of their rotation. If/when the postseason rolls around, he’s someone who can operate as that “long reliever” coming out of the bullpen.

Richards is an analytic darling, as both his slider and his curveball rank towards the top of the league in terms of spin rate, and his fastball has a wicked amount of movement to it. He ideally won’t come at a huge asking price either.

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