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Phillies: 5 free agent starting pitchers they could sign

By Andrew Snyder

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 31: Chicago Cubs Starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on during a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on August 31,2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 31: Chicago Cubs Starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on during a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on August 31,2018 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 07: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning of game three of the American League Division Series at Target Field on October 07, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 07: Jake Odorizzi #12 of the Minnesota Twins throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning of game three of the American League Division Series at Target Field on October 07, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The Phillies have an opportunity to rebuild their pitching staff in free agency

Perhaps the biggest weakness within the Phillies roster, the starting pitching staff left plenty to be desired in 2019. Now, looking towards the offseason, free agency provides a beacon of hope for generating a starting rotation the Phils can apply to a roster that is already ready to compete for a playoff spot in 2020.

The depth of this year’s free agency group is worth the Phils pocketbook; here are a few names to keep an eye on as baseball’s hibernation approaches.

Jake Odorizzi

Jake Odorizzi may not be the sexy pick when considering Gerrit Cole may reside in the same class, but he may be one of the most cost-effective options for the Phillies.

Originally a first-round draft pick by the Brewers, Odorizzi was moved to the Royals in a deal that sent Zach Greinke to Milwaukee. He then became highly touted prospect within the Royals organization, but was shipped again along with Wil Myers in 2012, this time to Tampa Bay in exchange for James Shields and Wade Davis.

Odorizzi compiled a solid 3.82 ERA over the course of four seasons with the Rays, that coincided with a solid 40-37 record. His career shifted when he was traded yet again to Minnesota in 2018 for a minor league infielder.

Odorizzi proceeded to stumble slightly in 2018; his ERA soaring up to 4.50 for the season, but he rebounded in 2019 with 15-7 record and a 3.51 ERA, which is impressive, especially given that he’s throwing in the American League.

His stuff got better in 2019, with a velocity jump into the mid 90’s with his sinker/fastball, which can be attributed to a different offseason training program.

He’ll throw in a good splitter and a solid slider as a mix, but Odorizzi pitches off his sinker, which generates a ton of swing and misses. He’s one of the better options in this class, so Odorizzi won’t come cheap.

At 30 years of age, Odorizzi still has enough innings left in his arm to warrant a longer-term contract structure. If signed he’d be at least the No.3 option, if not overtaking Jake Arrieta as the No. 2 slot in the rotation.

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