RHP MICHAEL WACHA (2019: 126.2 IP, 4.76 ERA, 7.39 K/9, -0.2 fWAR)
We’ve seen a ton of Mariners fans clamoring for Michael Wacha to be the ‘mystery pitcher,’ so we had to throw him on the list. Wacha is the complete opposite of Julio Teherán; injuries have plagued him throughout his career, especially as of late, and the most innings he’s ever thrown in a season are 181.
But when he has pitched, he’s been pretty damn good. It’s just about getting him right physically. Wacha has had a history of shoulder issues, which popped up again in late September. The shoulder tightness that forced him out of a September 25 game versus the Diamondbacks abruptly ended his season just before his club went on a run to the NLCS.
It now seems like Wacha’s time in St. Louis is finally up as the 28-year-old hits free agency for the first time in his career and will look to find a team that can give him a solid opportunity to bounce back. Seattle fits that description rather nicely, don’t you think? With the Mariners, Wacha would be given ample opportunity to crack the back-end of their rotation and stick for quite some time.