4. Jorge De La Rosa
Thirty-five year old Jorge De La Rosa has a rather unimpressive 5.07 ERA in 110.0 innings pitched this season, but is coming off a strong eight inning, two-run performance on Sunday. He is in the last year of his contract, and is due $12 million this season. Thus, he has around $3 million remaining to be paid in 2016.
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He could pass waivers due to his mediocre performance this year, but could also get claimed for the same reason the KC Royals would be interested in the lefty: his solid 3.48 ERA in his last five starts.
Remember, also, that his 5.07 ERA this season is partly due to pitching in the thin air of Denver for his home starts. His adjusted ERA reflects his tough home park conditions. Even giving up more than five runs per game, he still rates as dead average (100 ERA+). While not impressive, a league-average arm to slot into the no. 5 position would be an improvement over Dillon Gee.
Another nice thing would be to bring back a former Kansas City Royals player from the dark ages of 2006-07 to play for the team when it’s winning. I’m sure Dayton Moore would like that.
Next: Trade Target No. 3