Andrew Cashner Could Cash in During Contract Year

Last season was a mixed bag for San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner. The right-hander saw his ERA and WHIP balloon from 2.55 and 1.13 in 2014, respectively, to 4.34 and 1.44 in 2015. That's bad, but there was some good, too. Cashner started 31 games, eclipsing the 30-start plateau for the first time in his career. He also set a career high with 165 strikeouts.

San Diego is not expected to contend this season, so Cashner's win-loss record should suffer again (he finished 6-16 last season). But if he can lower his batting average (.293) and home runs (14) allowed to left-handed hitters, the ERA and WHIP should both follow. Cashner is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season, and there's something to be said for monetary motivation. A return to his 2013 form (10-9, 3.09 ERA) seems reasonable, and he'll come cheap in most draft formats.