Free agency this offseason hasn’t been different than in years prior as there generally is a domino effect with signings.
Once marquee players make their respective decisions, the market takes shape for the available second-tier free agents.
With Zack Greinke, David Price and Jordan Zimmermman among those no longer available, the Dodgers have turned to the trade market and a handful of free agents in their search for a pitcher.
The latest starter Los Angeles is now said to have an interest in is Wei-Yin Chen, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:
Wei-Yin Chen said to have strong market; cards, giants, dodgers, maybe royals, nats, others
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 10, 2015
Chen has spent the past four seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. The southpaw went 11-8 with a 3.34 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 1.22 WHIP in 2015.
The 30 year old posted a career-best 2.8 WAR last season, to go along with a 40.5 percent ground ball rate and 7.20 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Opponents hit just .170/.209/.239 with runners in scoring position.
Chen allowed the sixth-most home runs among American League pitchers last season, and his ERA was seventh in the AL. For his career, Chen is 46-32 with a lifetime 3.72 ERA, 4.14 FIP and 1.25 WHIP.
Along with Chen, the Dodgers were recently been linked to Jose Fernandez. Despite there being previously being reported interest in Yovani Gallardo, the right-hander no longer appears to be an option for Los Angeles.
However, Johnny Cueto is said to have now be an option the Dodgers are considering.
