Seattle Mariners: 5 Free Agent Relief Pitching Targets
By Ty Gonzalez
RHP DAVID PHELPS
We had high hopes for David Phelps entering the 2018 season, following a strong 2017 in which the Mariners acquired him near the trade deadline. The dynamic 32-year-old pitcher dominated in his 10 appearances with the M’s, hurling an 11.42 K/9 and 2.70 FIP in that time.
Going into 2018, the quartet of Phelps, Nick Vincent, Juan Nicasio, and Edwin Díaz was exciting. But that all changed when Phelps pulled himself out of a Spring Training appearance versus the Angels with discomfort in his right elbow, which was later revealed to be a torn UCL, ultimately ending his season.
Phelps was in the final year of his deal, making him a free agent this offseason. Given that the Mariners have been with him every step of the way through his rehab, there should be an expected level of comfortability between Phelps and the organization in getting him back on track.
The talent is there, but how Phelps responds to the surgery remains to be seen. However, there is a lot of buy-low potential in Phelps and the Mariners have the inside edge on him. It’s definitely worth taking a flyer on.