Most MLB Insiders and commentators would agree that Gerrit Cole is the top attraction in MLB Free Agency this winter. But not Ryan Dempster.
The 16-year veteran appeared on MLB Network and stated that while he feels that Cole is the top guy from a holistic standpoint, he thinks that World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg might be the best starter, mostly because he sees Strasburg as a guy with unlocked potential (via MLB.com):
“I know Gerrit Cole is the guy on the market, the No. 1, but to me, Stephen Strasburg is my No. 1 guy, because I think there's also room for improvement,” Ryan Dempster said Wednesday on MLB Network's “MLB Now” program. “I think he can go even more than what he did this year. I think he can pitch more innings. I think that he could go out there and strike out 300 guys in a season. He's got that kind of stuff.
“And then what he's done in the postseason. Those are incredible numbers … now you know what you're getting, when you're thinking about building a team towards October, and I need that guy who's proven on the biggest stage. He just proved it on the biggest stage.”
Stephen Strasburg became a free agent when he opted out of the four years and $100 million left on his contract with the Washington Nationals, instantly making him one of the best players available.
Although the former No. 1 overall pick will undoubtedly have the attention of a number of teams–including his hometown San Diego Padres–Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that he sees Strasburg re-signing with the Nationals prior to the start of the Winter Meetings.
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