Landing Spots For Free Agent Pitcher Madison Bumgarner

By Jordan Long

Pitcher Madison Bumgarner is one of the top free agents in baseball.  There will be teams calling him because of his ability to be an ace or a 2^nd pitcher in the rotation.  Teams who could be interested in him are the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros.

                Bumgarner’s career record in Major League Baseball is 119-92 with an ERA of 3.13, all with the San Francisco Giants.   He totaled 10+ wins 6 of his 10 years.  He is highest win total occurred in 2014 and 2015 when he won 18 in both years.  

                Bumgarner helped the Giants make the playoffs 4 times and win 3 World Series.  In the playoffs is where a pitcher wants to perform.   Bumgarner showed his worth with a career record of 8-3 and an ERA of 2.11.  He was named World Series MVP in 2014.

                Bumgarner will be in high demand because of his past pitching history.  The Braves are a long shot.  They need another starting pitcher. 

                Atlanta made the playoffs in 2019.  In the National League Division Series their starters combined ERA was 4.43. In game 5, winner take all against the Cardinals, it didn’t help that their starter, Mike Foltynewicz, allowed 6 earned runs in the 1^st inning.   St. Louis ended up scoring 10 runs that inning.

                Atlanta may end up losing Dallas Keuchel in free agency. Bumgarner is the fix to replace Keuchel.  Plus, Bumgarner might be the ace of the staff.

                The Houston Astros make more sense.  This is a ball club that has a rotation of Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke.   They may need another arm to not only make the postseason but win the World Series.  Gerrit Cole isn’t coming back and is a free agent.  If Bumgarner heads to Houston, he will take Cole’s spot in the rotation. 

The Astros might be the most experienced rotation with Verlander, Greinke, and Bumgarner.  It should help them reach the playoffs but winning the World Series in 2020 is still a question mark.  Teams who build an “all-star” rotation don’t always end in a championship.

                Bumgarner will take his time once free agency opens up, deciding where the best place is for him to keep playing baseball.  It is possible the Giants might want to keep him, but they are rebuilding.  Bumgarner would like to win another ring.