Why Is Chris Young Still A Free Agent?

As I sat down to write this quick little piece, my main focus was to address why the Seattle Mariners haven’t re-signed free agent starting pitcher Chris Young. But by now, I think we all know the answer.

So the greater question is: Why hasn’t ANYONE signed him?

I know he’s 35 (will turn 36 in May) and he has battled with injuries for much of his career. But he was the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 2014 as he posted a 12-9 record and an ERA of 3.65 in 29 starts.

He ran out of gas down the stretch and was removed from the rotation. But, to be fair, it was his first action since 2012 and he threw more innings (165) then he had since 2007.

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But, he’s a veteran competitor with – presumably – something left in the tank. You would think that some pitching deprived club would sign him, even to a minor league deal as insurance.

I am actually a little surprised that the M’s didn’t try to bring him back. Maybe they did offer him a minor league deal and he said no.

With a presumed starting five of Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton, J.A. Happ and Taijuan Walker, there was simply no room for Young.

Looking for insurance on the Mariners roster, look no further than Erasmo Ramirez, Roenis Elias and then a host of minor league invites the club has stockpiled.

So, where will Young end up? Or will he?

The Astros are thought to be a possibility after they lost out on Ryan Vogelsong. Teams like Atlanta could get in the mix. Cincinnati could be interested as could Texas – where he first broke into the big leagues.

It will be interesting to see as the final days before Spring Training wind down, where the quirky veteran will end up.