Though some reports have indicated that left-hander Mark Buehrle may very well call it quits after the 2015 season, the veteran innings eater tells ESPN Chicago’s Doug Padilla that he hasn’t made any decision one way or the other. If anything, Buehrle implied that he could very well suit up for a 17th big league season, as he told Padilla that he’ll listen to offers this winter.
The 36-year-old Buehrle saw his incredible streak of 200-inning seasons come to a close this year, as he finished the year at 198 2/3 innings, denying him 15th consecutive year with 200 or more innings. Though his amazing streak came to an end, Buehrle nonetheless had a quality year on the mound, pitching to a 3.81 ERA with 4.1 K/9, a league-leading 1.5 BB/9 and a solid 45.9 percent ground-ball rate. Buehrle admitted to Padilla that he was indeed bothered by shoulder problems this season. He received a cortisone shot late in the season, though he also said he’d welcome the opportunity to be added to Toronto’s postseason roster and compete once again. Shoulder problems are nothing new, Buehrle said, noting that he’s worked through shoulder pain for much of his career.
One thing Buehrle said he won’t be doing is signing a minor league deal, though I can’t imagine a scenario in which multiple teams aren’t interested in Buehrle on at least a one-year Major League deal. Buehrle will technically be eligible for a qualifying offer, though given his age and shoulder problems late in the year, the Blue Jays probably won’t be keen on risking a $15.8MM price tag on him in order to collect a compensatory draft pick.
Padilla notes that it’s not in Buehrle’s nature to make a flashy departure from the league when he finally does decide to hang it up. Somewhat playfully referring to his status as a former 38th-round draft pick, Buehrle told Padilla, “I snuck into this league, and I’m going to sneak out.”
He wants to retire quietly but gets ejected during game 5 of the ALDS.
If Buehrle wants to pitch, he could. 3.81 in 200 IP in the AL East isn’t anything to sneeze about, let alone when hes throwing 84 MPH.
It’s a shame Buerhle’s season ended the way it did. I don’t think Toronto should put him on the roster, but Buerhle at full strength would’ve been helpful in a seven game series.
Buehrle could have at least contributed to the Blue Jays bullpen, where he started his career with the White Sox. He wouldn’t be your typical left-handed setup man but there’s nothing wrong with having a pitcher like Buehrle who can field his position, hold potential base stealers close at first with a deceptive pick-off move and induce double plays with an excellent ground ball rate.
Depending on what he’s looking for specifically, could be a good fit for the Reds. they are looking for an innings-eater, and mentor for their young rotation.
Maybe the white sox on a 1 year deal and go out with the team he came up with! The sox would hopefully find a trade partner for John Danks since it would give them 5 lefties in the rotation.
Rumors have been circulating for some time about a mutual desire on the part of both Buehrle and the White Sox to have their former ace finish his career in Chicago.
The club has had a left-handed leaning starting rotation for a long time now, including all the seasons following his departure from the White Sox. In my opinion, rhp Erik Johnson will likely be a part of the team’s rotation come opening day in 2016.
The White Sox will be all ears in trying to trade John Danks this off-season, who is in the final year of his “ill-advised” 5 yrs/$65M contract. Ironically, it was the White Sox decision to extend the younger Danks in 2011 that led to Buehrle’s departure as a free agent from the club in 2012. The likelihood of Danks being traded this winter is still remote given his performance and the $14.25M still owed him in 2016.
A deal for hard luck southpaw Jose Quintana would be more likely given his age, performance and team friendly long term contract. He holds enormous value and could be the key player involved in a trade to upgrade the clubs long standing weakness at either the catcher or third base position, both of which have weak FA markets this off-season. Such a trade would open a spot in the rotation for a short term veteran pitcher such as Buehrle, who could be a valuable mentor for Carlos Rodon in 2016, as he was for Chris Sale in 2011.
That was all Kenny Williams ego in the 11/12 off season, he made it clear it was one or the other, and he has some weird love affair with the Danks family. Was a shame, Buerhle was all Sox player. In hindsight not sure it made much of a difference in the teams results each year. But what a waste that Danks contract was.