Chicago Cubs: An early look at 2020 free agent pitchers

Chicago Cubs: Not a household name, but Odorizzi could be an affordable option.

While certainly not a top-tier free agent, there will definitely be teams interested in Twins starter Jake Odorizzi this offseason. Odorrizi, 29, received his first All-Star honors this season and is so far pitching to a 3.84 ERA, 4.03 FIP, 1.2 WHIP and 9.4 K/9 in 20 starts. The FIP is a wee-bit high but he has missed bats and put together some good work.

Now his overall career numbers (3.94 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 972 2/3 IP) are solid. Not great, but very solid. He is having the best year (so far) he has had since his days in Tampa Bay after having mediocre seasons in 2017 and 2018.

There might be some regression in 2020. However, his track record shows he can be a solid guy in the rotation. His best showing came back in 2015 when he posted a 3.35 ERA and 3.61 FIP in 28 starts.

Odorizzi is not a top of the rotation guy, but could slide nicely as a number three or four on a team like the Cubs depending on how they put the rotation together next year. The cost to sign him will not be too astronomical which can make him an affordable, yet a useful piece in 2020 and beyond.