If you told me that the Miami Marlins would sign a Scott Boras client this offseason, I would call you crazy. That all changed today when the Marlins agreed to a deal with free agent pitcher, Wei-Yin Chen. The deal was confirmed by ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Wei-Yin Chen Headed to South Beach
In years past, the Marlins have been averse to signing players to long term or big money contracts, but the growing need to compete with up and coming teams like the New York Mets and Washington Nationals have forced the hand of owner Jeffrey Loria. Chen’s deal is reportedly worth $80 million over five years, with a vesting option for a $16 million sixth year. Jon Heyman also noted that Chen could opt out after the second year of the deal.
Chen has opt-out in 2 years with #Marlins. He can earn $96 million if his option vests in Year 6 (180 innings or 360 over 2 years).
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2016
Chen is not a star by any means, but is a consistent workhorse that can eat innings in the middle of the rotation. The 30-year-old posted an 11-8 record with career bests in ERA (3.34) and WHIP (1.22), 153 strikeouts in 191.1 innings pitched in 2015. In his four year Major League career, Chen has averaged at least 175 innings pitched per season. Native to Taiwain, Chen pitched for the Chinese Tapei National Team in 2004 and 2008.
As a member of the Chunichi Dragons, Chen’s career got off to a rocky start, requiring Tommy-John Surgery in 2006. After getting things back on track, Chen finished a productive eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball before making the jump to Major League Baseball and signing with the Orioles prior to the 2012 season.
Main Photo Caption: Wei-Yin Chin pitches for the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Photo by Patrick Semansky / Getty Images Sport.
