3.) J.A. Happ
Happ had an incredibly tumultuous campaign in 2019, posting a 4.91 ERA with 34 homers an 88 and runs allowed over 161.1 innings. The 13-year veteran holds plenty of experience but has had an up-and-down career up to this point. Last season was one of the worst he’s experienced and was his highest ERA since 2011 with the Houston Astros.
I don’t anticipate Happ making a return in 2021, but he can be a serviceable starter this season. Manager Aaron Boone seems confident he can bounce back from a tough year, and his 2018 statistics would suggest he is right. Juiced baseballs could have played a significant part in his allowance of a career-high 34 homers.
Even if the former Toronto Blue Jay bounces back with a great campaign, the sample size will be too small, and he is too expensive to pay for an average pitcher.