The Chicago Cubs have been looking to make a major move this offseason to improve the team, but have yet to do so. They have been in conversations to improve the pitching staff and attempting to sign some hitters, but nothing of the sort has happened. While there is still time before Spring Training begins in late February, there is still a massive question mark for the team. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and what the Cubs have on their roster at the moment.
The Chicago Cubs are lacking in the starting pitching department
Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts (R) smiles next to Chicago Cubs President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer (L) before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
In an article on MLB discussing each team’s biggest question mark entering Spring Training, Jordan Bastian highlighted the lack of depth in the starting rotation for the Cubs. Below is what he said about the situation:
“Manager Craig Counsell was able to get through the Wild Card Series and Division Series with a depleted rotation, but he acknowledged at the Winter Meetings that things could have been more problematic had the Cubs moved deeper into the playoffs. So far this offseason, Chicago has retained Shota Imanaga (one-year Qualifying Offer) and Colin Rea (one-year deal, plus club option). Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton are all back, while Justin Steele (left elbow surgery in April) has a comeback on the horizon. There is a group of arms behind them for rotation/bullpen depth, too. The Cubs are hoping there are enough built-in contingency options there for the inevitable in-season roller coaster.”
According to Fangraphs, the projected starting rotation for Chicago right now is:
Matthew Boyd
Cade Horton
Shota Imanaga
Jameson Taillon
Colin Rea
This does not include Justin Steele, who is recovering frmo Tommy John surgery and does not have an official return date. With the lack of depth in the starting rotation, there could be some woes if injuries happen during Spring Training. It will be intriguing to see if the Cubs are able to sign any top-tier free agent starting pitchers or if they will add some non-roster invitees ahead of Spring Training to battle for a roster spot.
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