C.J. Wilson is considered the best pitcher on the free agent market in most circles. Yet, when it comes to fitting inside the often hectic Yankees’ universe, several major-league talent evaluators believe Mark Buehrle might be the better fit.
“If you are looking for value, it’s Buehrle because the Yankees have CC Sabathia and aren’t looking for an ace,’’ an AL Central evaluator said of 32-year-old Buehrle, who finished a four-year, $56 million deal with the White Sox this season.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has spoken briefly with representatives for Roy Oswalt, Edwin Jackson and Wilson, and plans to contact Jeff Berry, who represents Buehrle.
A month ago, an agent who doesn’t represent Wilson predicted the lefty would command a five- or six-year deal for $15 million per season.
Three evaluators tabbed Buehrle over Wilson for the Yankees, and two picked Wilson even though they admitted having questions whether the opinionated pitcher would be a good fit in New York.
“Stuff-wise, he is at 91 to 93 (mph). He has enough deception and just wild enough,’’ a veteran Wilson watcher said. “His stuff is more crisp than Buehrle’s.’’
There is the possibility neither lefty lands in The Bronx. The Yankees have an interest in Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish, who is expected to be posted by Nippon after the Japanese postseason ends. If the finals go seven games, that would be Nov. 20.
It’s possible the Yankees will prioritize 25-year-old Darvish and wait on other arms until that puzzle is solved.
Wilson, who made $7.05 million with the Rangers this season, turns 31 this month and Buehrle will be 33 in March. A starter for two years, Wilson has made 73 starts for the Rangers; Buehrle, a White Sox from 2000 to 2011, has appeared in 390 games, with 365 starts.
Buehrle is 161-119 with a career 3.83 ERA. Wilson is 43-35 in seven big league seasons but 31-15 as a starter the past two seasons.
Though Buehrle’s October math isn’t stunning (2-1, 4.11 ERA) in six games (four starts), Wilson is 1-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 10 postseason games (nine starts).
As for Oswalt and Jackson, the belief is they can help a team but there are questions attached to each.
Fearing a lower back disc problem that affected Oswalt in July may resurface, the Phillies didn’t pick up a $16 million option on the 34-year-old righty Instead they gave him a $2 million buyout after he went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts.
Unlike a year ago, when Cliff Lee was by far the best free agent pitcher on the market, this group of four doesn’t include that ace-in-waiting.
“They are in the right time in the right place,’’ an AL executive said. “What’s behind them isn’t much.’’