Cubs Pitching Problems

Coming into the season, it was known that pitching would not be their strong suit.  It was known that they would be a better offensive team, with their great wealth of position player prospects and young infield.  Like 26 year old MVP candidate first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler, Javier Baez who came up in September, and Tommy La Stella, who was hurt most of the year.   Plus for sure the NL ROY, one of the most hyped prospects of all time, Kris Bryant, who came up in mid-April due to contract issues.  Kyle Schwarber, who has been a great hitter as advertised as a rookie. And Addison Russell, who the Cubs got in the Athletics trade last year, who has been a solid hitter and great fielder.  And Dexter Folwer and Chris Coghlan, who have been great catalysts.

This off season, the Cubs signed Jon Lester to a 155 million dollar deal, and Jason Hammel.  Lester has been good, and Hammel has been bad since the All-Star break after being an All-Star snub.  Jake Arrieta will clearly start the Wild Card game, but if they win that, will their pitching hold them back?

After those three, the Cubs have Kyle Hendricks and Dan Haren.  Hendricks has an ERA over four, and Haren hasn't been good since coming over in a trade with the Marlins.  I don't think Haren would be likely to get a playoff start.

So what would the Cubs do after Lester and Arrieta?  I have no idea, but one other starters going to need to be on top of their game.

Another problem is their inconsistent bullpen.  Sometimes it is lockdown, bit other times it is just plain awful.  Pedro Strop has been bad lately, but they have gotten contributions from September call-ups like former starter Trevor Cahill. 

This off season, the Cubs are expected to go after a big pitcher this off season, and are one of the favorites to get Toronto Blue Jays ace David Price.  That was the plan, to get position prospects in place, and sign free agent pitchers.  But the Cubs are a year ahead of schedule, as 2016 was the goal.  I think the Cubs could go far, but I don't know if their pitching could allow them to win the World Series.  It will be interesting to see what happens, whether the pitching besides Arrieta and Lester steps up, or if they'll hurt the Cubs chances at winning the World Series.