Some Non-Free Agent Starting Pitchers the Mariners Should Inquire About

Sep 18, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(22) reacts in the dugout during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

At the moment,understandably, free agent rumors are flying around like balls in a batting cage, and one of those rumors has the Seattle Mariners linked to free agent starting pitcher Matt Garza.

It’s no secret that the M’s could use an established arm to fill out the back of a rotation that’s going to be anchored by young arms — and that plenty of free agent options exist that could satisfy this need.

But what if, after the free agent speculation dies down, or if the M’s spend big on a couple of bats, the club still hasn’t acquired one of the more attractive free agent staring pitchers?

Will they turn to the trade market?

Or will they try to stick with what they’ve got or sign a washed-up type like last season?

Well, who knows, and free agency is obviously the preferred route, but if they do consider entertaining the thought of a trade, here’s a few names (just a few there’s plenty out there) that come to my mind (and feel free to chime in if you’ve got better suggestions).

Travis Wood, SP, Chicago Cubs

Sep 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(37) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Wood was arguably one of the few bright spots last season for the Cubs, and his name was thrown into some trade speculation at the deadline.

The 26-year-old righty put together a nice 2013 campaign, to the tune of a 3.11 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 200 innings spread across 32 starts, and managed to snag an All-Star spot to boot.

Some people were quick to point out he got lucky in some regards (an improbable BABIP and an exceedingly high stranded runner rate) but the overall Wood was good last season, and he plays for a bad team that might look to move him.

And he’s not a free agent until 2017, (though he does become arbitration eligible in 2014).

Wood is probably being scouted by multiple teams and the M’s haven’t shown interest, but depending on the asking price he could be an attractive option for a back-end starter.

Rick Porcello, SP, Detroit Tigers

Sep 21, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher

(21) pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no back-room rumor that the Tigers are shopping Porcello around, and several teams have apparently been window shopping — and so far the M’s aren’t one of them. But Porcello is an intriguing young player.

He’s young and still has a high ceiling, and he isn’t a free agent until 2016 (though like Wood he is arbitration eligible in 2014). His career ERA is a relatively bloated 4.51, but in each of the past four seasons he has managed to shave off a few points, and after strong finish to the 2013 regular season he looks like a player poised to have a good 2014.

But again, it all depends on the asking price. Porcello looks like an attractive trade option for many teams, but absolutely not the kind of gut the M’s should throw a coveted prospect at.

Jonathon Niese, SP, New York Mets

Sep 29, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher

(49) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

If the Mets plan on shopping starting pitcher Jonathon Niese they’re currently keeping mum, but the 27- year-old has shown flashes of potential, and despite injuries he has quietly put together two solid seasons in a row.

And he’s a lefty, something the M’s could certainly use in a staff full of righties. The Mets have been relatively atrocious of late, and therefore need to fill several holes and are probably looking to make some moves — and Niese might be one of their more attractive pieces that could be had at a reasonable rate.