Rick Porcello
While Rick Porcello may have never returned to the form that made him the 2017 AL Cy Young winner, he could still be worth a look.
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However, Porcello has been a solid innings eater throughout his career, someone that can take the ball every fifth day and provide at least six innings an outing. He may not be a star, but he has been a reasonable solid arm, someone that can fortify the back of a major league rotation.
That was not the case in 2020. Considered a solid depth move by the Mets, Porcello absolutely cratered. He posted a 1-7 record with a 5.64 ERA and a 1.508 WHiP, truly awful numbers. While his command was still solid, with 54 strikeouts and 15 walks in his 59 innings, he was undone by a .373 batting average on balls in play against, leading to an 11.2 hit per nine inning mark.
As Porcello has been more of a ground ball pitcher throughout his career, a team with better infield defense than the Mets could make a major difference. The Oakland A’s, and their excellent defense, could lead to a bounceback season. Given his struggles last year, Porcello will not cost much, but could be a worthwhile lottery ticket.
The Oakland A’s will need to find some bargains in free agency. These three starters could be worth a look.