Chicago Cubs Free Agent Pitching Targets
The season has been over for over a month and things are starting to pick up a little steam in free agency. With the whole world of baseball waiting on Shohei Ohtani to make his decision. Fans are wondering who the Cubs may target otherwise. Here are a few names that may continue to pop up for the Cubs.
Yu Darvish
Stats: 179.0 IP, 3.81 ERA
The Cubs are going to need pitching in both the starting rotation and bullpen. Yu Darvish may definately be worth the look. What may draw the Cubs away is the money that he is going to demand on the free agent market, especially with what the Cubs are already paying Jon Lester and unwilling to pay Jake Arrieta. My gut tells me Darvish will not be a Cub, but as we all know. Anything can happen.
Jake Arrieta
Stats: 177.0 IP, 4.20 ERA
Fans love Jake, the team loves Jake. He fits in with the team. If the Cubs are going to look at Darvish, why not look harder at Jake Arrieta. Although he did regress a bit from previous years. He is going to have to do some major convincing, that his numbers will be better, if he is to get that big contract he desires. It will be interesting to watch unfold. Many expect Arrieta to be in another uniform next season.
Alex Cobb
Stats: 133.0 IP, 4.41 ERA
Cobb would be a nice addition especially since Joe Maddon has hired former Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey. Cobb did have tommy john surgery in the 2015–2016 season. Which could alter what he may bring to the team in terms of velocity and strikeouts. Cobb seems like a likely fit for the Cubs as of right now.
Lance Lynn
Stats: 186.1 IP, 2.43 ERA
Lance Lynn is another name that has been tossed around for the Cubs. Joe Maddon will need at least two starters this season, barring John Lackey don’t wiggle his way back in. Lynn is only 30 years old and won’t command some of the money the others will. His ERA has increased a bit since 2014 but he is a pitcher that can go get you quality starts time and time again.
Wade Davis
Stats: 65.0 IP, 3.48 ERA
The Cubs bullpen was a mess last season, except for Wade Davis. Davis will command big money in the free agent market but if the Cubs are serious about beefing up their pen, Davis proved all last season he will be more than worth every penny Theo tosses at him.
Brandon Morrow
Stats: 65.0 IP, 3.77 ERA
Brandon Morrow had a breakout season for the Dodgers in 2016. He faced the Cubs a few times in the postseason and made easy work of the Cubs hitters. He has been linked the Cubs free agent efforts over the last few weeks. He would be another nice addition to a struggling bullpen.
