JA Happ is one of the older players on the MLB free agent market this winter, but age is not deterring a number of teams from exploring the possibility of signing the 36-year-old left-hander.
The Yankees are said to have interest in bringing back Happ even after they acquired James Paxton in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, but Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that they will have competition from at least five other teams. Those teams include the Blue Jays, Astros, Angels, Brewers and Phillies.
Happ posted a 17-6 record and 3.65 ERA last season while striking out a career-high 193 batters in 177.2 innings. He was dominant after being traded from Toronto to New York before the deadline, going 7-0 with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts.
Since he’s older, teams won’t have to make a long-term commitment to Happ. Signing him would be a good way to bolster a starting rotation for a playoff-caliber team, especially if Happ is interested in a one-year deal.
In addition to Happ, the Yankees reportedly have interest in signing arguably the top starting pitcher on the market. Happ would be a cheaper option and might make more sense given that he has already proven he can pitch in the AL East.
