Six Bargain Bin Pitchers the Miami Marlins should Target in Free Agency

#5: Michael Lorenzen, SP

Like Paxton, Lorenzen's 2023 experience was a tale of two seasons. The veteran posted his best career numbers during the first half of the year with the Tigers, recording a 3.58 ERA, 83Ks, pitching 105 innings, and earning his first All-Star selection.

Unfortunately for him, things quickly pivoted when he was traded to the Phillies during last season's trade deadline. His tenure in Philadelphia started hot when he pitched a no-hitter during his first home start with the club. However, things quickly soured as his post-trade numbers inflated to a 5.51 ERA across 28 innings of work.

At just 31 years old, Lorenzen is one of the youngest players on this bargain bin list. He also carries the highest strikeout potential. His $9.2 million projected market value makes him a low-risk, high-reward upside play that Miami should aggressively target.

If the club was able to court him into remaining in the NL East, Lorenzen would be an excellent #4 or #5 starter at the end of the Marlins' starting rotation.

#4: Matt Moore, RP

This is perhaps the most realistic target on our list, as Moore already has experience in Miami. The veteran pitcher was added to the Marlins' roster after he was claimed off of waivers during the club's September postseason push.

The former All-Star starter turned hyper-effective lefty reliever, has established himself as a valuable bullpen piece over the past two seasons (he posted a 1.95 ERA in 2022 and a 2.56 ERA in 2023). Despite a super small sample size that included just three relief appearances for the Fish, Moore did not allow a single run as a Marlin.

With Tanner Scott locking down the closer role, Moore would be an excellent weapon for manager Skip Schumaker to use in high-leverage situations. With a projected cost of just $3.3, a reunion between Moore and the Marlins makes all the sense of the world!

He would be the #1 target at reliever. If it weren't for...

#3: Reynaldo Lopez, RP

Moore's 2023 teammate on the Angels has also proven to be stellar as a bullpen weapon. In fact, he recorded the highest war of any reliever in this year's free agency class. For the record, former All-Stars Josh Hader, Craig Kimbrel, Liam Hendricks (club option), and Aroldis Chapman are all a part of this class.

Lopez recorded a 3.27 ERA while striking out 83 in just 66 innings of work. In addition to these excellent K numbers, the former White Sox's starter is also just 29 years old, making him a potential long-term fit in Miami.

With a projected market value of just $6.2 million, he is arguably the best value of any reliever in this class. He would be an excellent, low-cost, addition to Miami in 2024 and beyond.

#2: Kyle Hendricks, SP

A strong argument can be made that Hendricks should be the top pitching priority for the Marlins this offseason. While he lacks notable velocity or strikeout ability, the longtime Cubs' starter is as consistent as a major league pitcher can be.

Hendricks's 2023 ERA of 3.74 is right along with his career mark of 3.48. The veteran has been a super dependable, innings eater for the better part of his decade-long MLB career. To his credit, Hendricks also has 57+ innings of postseason work on his resume, in which, he has posted a 3.12 ERA.

Miami has a desperate need for quality innings as they away the return of pitchers like Alcantara, Trevor Rogers, Max Meyer, and Sixto Sanchez. Right now, they have a trustworthy big three consisting of Braxton Garrett, Jesus Luzardo, and Eury Perez. Past that point, everything is a question mark.

Hendricks represents a stable #4 or #5 starter who is a virtual lock for a 3-4 ERA and 25-35 appearances. At just a $9.5 million projected price point, this is an easy, low-cost, way to bring stability to the rotation.

#1: Seth Lugo, SP/RP

Looking for a diamond in the rough? Seth Lugo represents one of the best values in this free agency class.

The Swiss Army Knife established a long MLB career as a longtime bullpen option as a member of the NL East rival New York Mets. during that time, from 2016-2022, Lugo posted a super solid 3.48 ERA across nearly 500 innings, most of which came as a high-leverage reliever.

When he was given his first true opportunity to pivot to a starting role with the Padres in 2023, Lugo cemented himself as a rock-solid option. The veteran posted a stellar 3.50 ERA across 26 starts and a career-high 146 innings. He finished the club's #3 starter and recorded an 8-7 record.

Lugo, like Hendricks, would bring immediate stability to a Miami rotation currently in flux. And, as an added bonus, his services could likely be secured for under the $10 million per season price tag.

Honorable Mention: Kenta Maeda, SP

Maeda unfortunately falls just outside the sub-$10 million annual projected market value required for this article. However, he deserves an honorable mention as a potential rotation solution.

The 35-year-old has had injury and durability concerns throughout his career. Yet, he remains a strong starting option when healthy. He, like Paxton, is a candidate to improve off a higher 2023 ERA (4.23) as he builds back up after Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Miami needs to add multiple starter this offseason. Maeda is worthy of consideration.

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