The Mets have already inquired on free agent Freddy Garcia, though he won’t be ready to pitch until June. Garcia had very serious surgery on his labrum and rotator cuff. He’s thinking of pulling a Roger Clemens, allowing a contender to add a top-rotation guy midseason without giving up prospects. Yes, I know Roger didn’t quite fill that role in ’07.
My guess is that Garcia could end up getting around $8MM for a half-season. Maybe he’s not a $16MM pitcher, but when teams are in need and there are no free agent alternatives, there’s bound to be some inflation.
That said, Garcia’s agent will still be discussing him at the Winter Meetings to gauge interest. I imagine if a huge offer came in (say $9-10MM for ’08 with a player option for ’09) Garcia might go for it at that time.
