Dodgers Free Agent Pitching Options

Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA

My interest in Leake is completely dependent on the type of contract he commands. He’s very consistent, but nothing about him jumps off the page to me and he seems like a back-of-the-rotation type.

I didn’t understand the hoopla surrounding Leake when the Giants picked him up at last years’ trade deadline. He posted a 3.56 ERA (3.94 FIP) in 21 starts with the Reds, and for some reason most of the talking heads said this acquisition was the type of move that would propel the Giants to the top of the NL West. The Giants even gave up their top prospect according to MLB.com (which many Giants fans thought was an undeserved ranking) in Keury Mella.

Leake is durable, having started at least 30 games in each of his last four seasons. He turned 28 last month and should be set to earn the biggest contract of his career. His career, however, has been extremely mediocre. His best year came in 2013, when he posted a 3.37 ERA (4.04 FIP) and won 14 games with the Reds. He is a strike thrower, as his career high in walks is 50 in 214 1/3 innings.

Leake will eat up innings and not walk many batters, but I don’t really see how he’s an upgrade over Alex Wood/Brett Anderson. I’d probably prefer to see a minor league guy get a shot over bringing in Leake.

Next: Henderson Alvarez

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