OK players... Are we not interested in
Nick Martinez? I don't know his repertoire and mostly I am just combing the pitching WAR leaders for bargains. There are a lot of them, at least in hindsight, though the ones on the market this winter will want a raise. Anyway, Martinez:
* can opt out of 1/$12m with Cincy (why not?)
* Just put up a 4.0 bWAR season
* Was a journeyman and in Japan for a few years but came back to the US and has had an ERA+ of 109, 123, and 142.
* Was a swingman for the Pads before more time starting this year, but lowered his HR/9 below 1 and walk rate from 3.3/9 to 1.1
* was terrific for the Pads in the 2022 postseason, his only experience.
* This year he spent some time in the pen and his starter numbers weren't quite as good as his overall line, but the control and WHIP were still there: 1.124 WHIP and 12 walks in 16 starts. ERA of 3.84. Not sure @ ERA+ as a starter but has to be decent.
Strikeout rates are above average but not the blinding numbers that cost you way more. Since coming back from Japan his hard hit numbers have been really solid. A bit FB heavy but as a righty that shouldn't be a huge problem in Fenway. He's 34 and would probably jump at a three year deal unless a lot of teams get involved. Worst case, he's been excellent in relief, so you could have some flexibility there. Went to Fordham so he's not allergic to the northeast.
What am i missing?