This had to be one of the richest free agent markets for starting pitching in history.

[jcmaine72]

And I mean that both literally and figuratively. The only other free agent market that I can remember that had as much high-priced, high talent SP beef in it was 1992-93, when the likes of David Cone, Greg Maddux, Jimmy Key and Doug Drabek (He was still an elite SP heading into that offseason) were available. All of those guys were considered aces at the time they filed for FA.

In this year's market, obviously Cole, Strasburg and Bumgarner (yeah, maybe) could be considered number ones, with Wheeler a #2-3 on a good staff. Were there any other years that anyone can recall where the market was as stacked with #1's as this year's FA market was?

[JDC]

1. Whatever the market, the Rockies ownership will not take advantage

or make a poor choice, if any at all.

No joy in Mudville(Denver).

[Brother Buzz]

2. Wheeler did better than Bumgarner

Wheeler signed a five-year $118 million contract with the Phillies ($23.6 million a year)
He definitely landed a sweat heart 'richest free agent market' deal


Bumgarner signed a five-year $85 million contract with the Diamondbacks ($17.5 million a year)

After his motorcycle accident, then his busted arm, Bumgarner totally lost his magic and is on the decline. Hell, there were a few games I watched last season that were just plain painful to watch. That being said, I wish him luck and hope he finds his mojo again because he's wicked good when he's in the groove

[Auggie]

3. You forgot two-time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber, technically a #1

When he's "on", he's as good as anybody.

[beachbumbob]

4. simple case of supply and demand and the fact of there is a very limited number of

top tiered pitchers. As a White Sox fan, our team needs 1 or 2 quality starters to turn this team into an outright contender but I don;t want the Sox to spend $500 to achieve that and/or give up our star and future star players.

I will love watching the Yanks crash and burn in 2020