Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies: 3 *cheap* starting pitchers to sign in free agency

By David Esser

Sep 26, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) pitches in the first inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) pitches in the first inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Oct 6, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers a pitch in the 2nd inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during game two of the 2020 ALDS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers a pitch in the 2nd inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during game two of the 2020 ALDS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

J.A. Happ, LHP

2020 Team: New York Yankees

J.A. Happ debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies wayyy back in 2007, and has since played for a variety of different ball clubs. He’s had stints with the Mariners, Pirates, Astros, Blue Jays, and most recently the Yankees.

He’s posted a win-loss record of 123-92 over 1,741.1 innings, while holding down a 3.98 ERA and 1.301 WHIP.

Happ turned 38 in October, so it’s unreasonable to expect too much production out of him moving forward, but he’s a savvy veteran with a plethora of postseason experience, and him being left-handed is an added bonus. The Phillies haven’t been able to find a solid lefty starter for years now, and Happ could come in and fill that role for a reasonable price.

Happ’s projected ERA for 2021 is 4.41, and it’s not unreasonable to think that he’d miss some starts due to his age. This could lead to Vince Velasquez getting some reps as a starter during the dog days of summer, which I guess is why they brought him back in the first place.

Ultimately speaking, Happ can be had for a low price. Spotrac.com has his projected salary at $5.8 million, and I honestly think he’ll get even less than that considering how the market is currently shaping up. His previous connection with Philly could also see him knock a few Ms off his asking price…

Home/Philadelphia Phillies