Free agency is well underway, and while there are many starting pitchers who are up for grabs, there are fewer that fit the profile the Chicago Cubs are looking for as they try to bolster their starting rotation. The organization has been extremely vocal about its desire to sign another arm.
The Cubs’ starting rotation immediately took a hit last year when Justin Steele went down almost as quickly as the season started, as he was sidelined with Tommy John Surgery. While the team still had Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, the pair lacked consistency, especially in the second half of the season.
Imanaga’s season fell off during the summer and continued into the postseason, which was great for everyone but the Cubs. If not for future ace Cade Horton, who emerged as one of the best pitchers in the National League, the ball club could have missed the playoffs entirely.