Marlins Offseason: Free Agent Relief Pitchers Still Available

Six-foot-one 10-year major league veteran Josh Tomlin spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cleveland Indians, mostly as a starter. He was 61-53 for the Tribe, with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.226 WHIP.

Granted free agency following the 2018 campaign, Tomlin signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, but didn’t make it through Spring Training. He signed with the Atlanta Braves just a week prior to Opening Day.

The Braves were rewarded with a tidy 1.122 WHIP over 79 1/3 innings from Tomlin. The right-handed Tyler, TX native went 2-1 with a 3.74 ERA over 51 games.

Francisco Liriano is the resident long-tooth out of this collection of free agents, with 14 seasons of major league experience to his credit. He’s appeared with the Minnesota Twins, the Chicago White Sox, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Houston Astros, and the Detroit Tigers. After starting 29 games for the Tigers in 2018, he rejoined the Bucs for an encore performance.

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In 350 pre-2019 appearances, including 300 starts, Liriano was 107-111 with a 4.18 ERA and 1752 strikeouts in 1743 2/3 innings – a K-rate just north of 9.0/9.

Last season with the Pirates, Liriano appeared in 69 contests, all in relief. He struck out 63 in 70 frames, holding the opposition to a 1.357 WHIP and going 5-3 with a 3.47 ERA.

A San Cristobal, DR native, Liriano would join current Dominican originated Jose Urena and Jarlin Garcia in the Marlins bullpen.