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Veteran starting pitcher Chris Capuano has his sights set on signing a two-year deal this winter, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Olney adds that Capuano would be willing to wait until the opportunity presents itself, which could delay his signing into February or March.
At 35, teams most likely covet Capuano on a one-year deal, helping to minimize the risks that come with his health. A two-time recipient of Tommy John surgery, Capuano hasn't reached the 200-inning plateau since 2006, when he was still with the Milwaukee Brewers. As a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, he had multiple stints on the DL for a variety of injuries. Capuano did manage to pitch for the Dodgers' in Game 3 of last fall's NLDS, indicating that he may have recovered from injuries sustained during the regular season.
A 9-year big league veteran and 2006 All-Star, Capuano came up with the Arizona Diamondbacks before being dealt to the Brewers in 2003, where he emerged as a work-horse, mounting 215+ inning campaigns in both 2005 and 2006. He accrued a 6.5 WAR during those two seasons, while also posting an ERA+ 10% above league average. After a horrid 2007 season, injuries struck Capuano, and he didn't return to the big leagues until 2010.
Capuano has spent the past three years with the Mets and Dodgers, tallying a 4.8 WAR. During that time frame he has posted a 4.15 ERA and excellent 3.14 SO/BB rate over 490 innings. While his ERA appears inflated, FIP suggests that he has been more of a ~3.80 ERA pitcher over the last three years. His 3.67 xFIP in 2013 tied his career-high, and his 9.6% HR/FB rate was the lowest of his career.
The market for Capuano's services has yet to pick up, but he has been linked to the Minnesota Twins recently, and several experts have suggested that the Seattle Mariners could be a great fit.
