Top 3 Under-The-Radar Free Agent Pitchers For 2023

The big names are discussed daily. Headed up by Jacob deGrom, we've already looked at the biggest names on the pitching free agent market. But how about those "under-the-radar" hurlers, the ones that every team needs if they are to make it to the promised land?

Let's have a look at three names every team should be targeting if they miss out on the absolute cream of the pitching crop. 

Ross Stripling

Formerly a solid swingman, offering quality innings whether being called on for spot starts, long relief, or anything else, the 32-year-old Stripling turned into the unquestioned and trusted No. 3 starter on the Toronto Blue Jays' staff in 2022. He took over as a full-time starter after Hyun Jin Ryu went down for the year and Yusei Kikuchi pitched himself out of the rotation. Stripling started 24 games and went 10-4 with a 3.01 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 134.1 innings. 

Taijuan Walker

Walker is an unsung hero of the New York Mets rotation over the past two seasons. He was an All-Star in the first half of 2021, though stumbled a bit in the second half. But he came back in 2022 with another solid season (while stumbling a bit again in September/early October). Overall, the 30-year-old posted a 3.49 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

Zach Eflin

The 28-year-old has been a solid back-end of the rotation starter for the Phillies for several years now. He returned after a lengthy injury this season to be a key factor for the Phils out of the bullpen down the stretch and into the playoffs. His ERA has hovered in and around the 4.00 mark over the past four seasons. 

Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports