There's a lot to love about Madison Bumgarner when you take a look at his résumé. Three World Series rings, a World Series MVP, four-time All-Star, 3.13 career ERA, 200+ innings and at least 31 starts made in seven of the last nine seasons. The left-hander could bring an edge to the White Sox, while anchoring the rotation filled with a trio of young, promising arms in Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech.
But then you take a closer look at Bumgarner's body of work and you can see why people are shocked that the 30-year-old may receive a $100 million contract this offseason.
The lefty made his MLB debut in 2009, having a cup of coffee with the Giants before permanently staying in the starting rotation since June 2010. In 10 full seasons Bumgarner has thrown 1,846 innings plus another 102 in the playoffs. A lot of mileage on that left arm.
Bumgarner has never been a ground ball pitcher, but even for him since 2016 he's given up a lot more fly balls and in 2019 his ground ball rate dipped down to 35.8%. To go along with that he gave up 30 home runs. The projections simply don't look pretty for a guy who's thrown a lot of innings and has already shown signs of regression.
After dealing with injuries in 2017 and 2018, Bumgarner did throw more than 200 innings once again in 2019, but had a career-high 3.90 ERA in 34 starts. However, whatever the perception was of Bumgarner heading into the offseason is irrelevant now because just like Zack Wheeler's market sky-rocketed in a matter of weeks, the same is happening with Bumgarner.
Here's what FanGraphs projected Bumgarner getting in free agency.
MLB Trade Rumors predicted a four-year, $72 million contract for Bumgarner.
After Wheeler agreed to a five-year deal with the Phillies worth $118 million, Bumgarner is now figured to get a $100 million contract of his own.
While Bob Nightengale noted Wednesday night that the White Sox still had not engaged in negotiations with Bumgarner, the interest is definitely there and has been reported by multiple outlets.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported the following on Thursday, as the Cardinals have now joined the pursuit of Bumgarner. And just like Wheeler, Bumgarner could be signed before next week's Winter Meetings.
Via MLB.com.
The Madison Bumgarner market is beginning to take shape, with one executive predicting that the left-hander will sign prior to next week’s Winter Meetings in San Diego.
And while several clubs have been linked to Bumgarner, including the Twins, Reds, White Sox and Braves, a source told MLB.com that a new potential bidder could be entering the fray: the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bumgarner reportedly wants to stay with the Giants, but they're not interested in a reunion. The veteran lefty turned down the team's qualifying offer in November, meaning whoever does sign him will give up a draft pick and some international pool money.
If the White Sox signed Bumgarner, or any other player who declined the qualifying offer, they'd give up their second-highest draft pick and have $500k reduced from their in international signing bonus budget.
So, White Sox fans, $100 million for Bumgarner or move on to other free agents?
