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3.) Drew Pomeranz
One of the most fascinating names on the free agent market, Drew Pomeranz has a case to be the best reliever on the market now that Will Smith has been inked by the Atlanta Braves. Last season was an up-and-down journey for Pomeranz, but was ultimately a huge success.
He finished the year with a 4.85 ERA, but is arguably the best reliever on the market? How Vincent?
Well, Pomeranz was awful as a starter in 17 appearances with the Giants. His 5.68 ERA in 77.2 innings pitched inflated his final number by a lot. After he landed with the Brewers halfway through the season, he was almost strictly used as a reliever. He made 25 appearances and sported a 2.39 ERA during his time there.
So, basically, Pomeranz has reached the point of his career where he is no longer a starter, but may just be an exceptional bullpen piece. The bidding for him may take his price tag above his real value, but that doesn’t mean the Angels shouldn’t be in on him. If they’re opening their wallets this offseason, it means they need to be in on this type of signing.
If they Angels want to truly contend in 2020 and beyond, improving the rotation can’t be their only focus. They have a good bullpen as it stands right now, but if they want to be true contender to win titles, their bullpen will need to go from above-average to elite this winter.