The Tampa Bay Rays are now the favorites to sign free agent pitcher Erik Bedard.
Bedard, 34, is expected to get a minor league deal.
Hearing #Rays are likely to sign LHP Erik Bedard to a minor-league deal. Is 34, 10 years in majors, struggled recently. Would provide depth.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 14, 2014
If Bedard does sign with the Rays there is a good chance it will include some incentives with opt outs so that the left hander could seek other opportunities if he does not get onto the Rays roster.
Bedard finished the 2013 season with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP with the Houston Astros. He did manage 138 strike outs and will provide depth if nothing else.
