Tons of big names are set to hit the free agent market this winter. Many of those are starting pitchers.
When we look at who’s out there, it’s hard to imagine that a guy like Marcus Stroman wouldn’t get a big contract this offseason. Someone like Max Scherzer will certainly get paid a good amount, but probably for less years given his advanced age.
But what about Kevin Gausman. The Cy Young contender is a free agent again this offseason after accepting the qualifying offer last year. He’s sure to get a big pay raise. But what teams will make a play for him?
Below, we outline three potential suitors for Gausman’s services as the offseason looms.
San Francisco Giants
Could Gausman return to the Giants? It’s possible.
Gausman has been the Giants ace over the past two seasons, so it would make sense to try and sign him back. He went 14-6 with a 2.81 ERA, and it’s uncertain whether the Giants will hold onto Alex Wood and Anthony DeSclafani.
Having him next to Logan Webb gives the Giants a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Wood and DeSclafani are replaceable, but Gausman has been the team’s horse over the past two years. If San Francisco wants to repeat as NL West champions, trying to bring him back would be a smart move.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles is a strong possibility. Trevor Bauer probably isn’t coming back. Clayton Kershaw is a free agent and hasn’t been able to stay off the injured list, and there’s no guarantee Max Scherzer will return either.
Gausman would fit perfectly in that rotation next to Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. That would be a good way for them to put yet another dagger in their rivals’ hearts after they beat them in the NLDS. He’s also only 30, so he’s still got plenty of good years ahead of him if he stays healthy.
Houston Astros
The AL champs will most likely be losing Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander this offseason. There will also be questions about Lance McCullers Jr’s health.
Enter Gausman.
The Astros have two young studs in Luis Garcia and Framber Valdez. Kevin Gausman would give them a true ace to lead that staff and replace the departing veterans. And if McCullers is healthy, Houston could have one of the best rotations in baseball, and do so with some younger arms.
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