MLB Free Agents 2012: C.J. Wilson and Other Overrated Pitchers

The winter free agency market in Major League Baseball is crowded with a ton of mediocre talent that will be overpaid by teams.

These guys are simply overrated because they hit free agency in a year where most of the really good players are still locked into contracts.

Let’s take a look at some of the guys who will make big bucks but probably disappoint.

C.J. Wilson

Wilson is without a doubt the best pitcher in a terrible market.

He’s only had two seasons in the Texas Rangers rotation as a starter and posted an ERA of 3.35 and 2.94 respectively in those years.

He only averaged 6.5 innings pitched in his starts this year and often times the team had to head to their bullpen early to relieve him.

Fortunately for him, he’s going to get paid like an ace pitcher despite the fact that he is a No. 2 at best in a solid rotation.

His best fit would be the New York Yankees, where he could excel behind C.C. Sabathia and the team has a strong interest in him.

That team spends money to win and if he can handle the pressure, it’s the best place for him to fit comfortably.

Heath Bell

At 34-years-old, Bell is looking to get one last big payday before he starts declining.

He took over the closing role in San Diego for the legendary Trevor Hoffman and has saved 132 games and posted a 2.36 ERA in that time period.

His career has been going solidly, but how many years does he have left pitching at a high level?

I don’t think many, but the market for closers is high and you can tell by the high-price the Philadelphia Phillies paid for Jonathan Papelbon this offseason.

Bell will get paid and he won’t live up to his contract.

Mark Buehrle

Buehrle has a perfect game, a no-hitter and a World Series title under his belt.

Does this make him worthy of a big money deal?

No.

He has a career ERA of 3.83 and record of 161-119 but will be coveted by teams looking to add a SP.

The Miami Marlins are apparently very high on getting him on their roster this season, but he won’t be worth the money they will need to shell out.