Now that the MLB teams and players have had a few weeks to feel out the free-agent market, expect the action to heat up this week.
The San Francisco Giants made the offseason’s biggest pitcher signing so far on Monday when they inked Tim Hudson to a two-year deal worth $23 million, per Alex Pavlovic of the Bay Area News Group. In essence, Hudson did more than just secure himself a deal, as he set a benchmark for other potential pitcher deals this winter.
There are plenty of big-name targets available like Matt Garza, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez; however, there are some lesser-known pitchers who could have major roles with their new respective teams in 2014. Not only that, but it could come at a fraction of the price of the other marquee arms on the market.
Let’s take a look at five of the top pitchers on the market this year who may be overlooked but are capable of making big impacts next season.