With an influx of young talent and the signing of a key free agent, do the Chicago Cubs have the best starting rotation in the division?
Although many Cubs fans have opposed the pace of signings this Winter, there is optimism regarding their starting rotation. With the signing of Shota Imanaga, the Cubs may be six-strong regarding possible starters as they enter spring training. Justin Steele is coming off a Cy Young top-five performance. James Taillon is working to build off a solid second half of 2023. Shota Imanaga may prove to be a key signing, especially in the second half of the season. Kyle Kendricks is still reliable, especially as a third or fourth starter. Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad have experience and will battle for the final spot in the rotation.
At the very least, it is a solid rotation and could prove to be the best in the division depending on injuries and performance. Let’s look and see what their divisional rivals are rolling out for their staffs:
Chicago Cubs Starting Rotation Against Their Division Rivals
Cincinnati Reds
Projected rotation: Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Frankie Montas, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo
There is a ton of youth in this group, with most under 26. However, unproven arms also led to a collective WAR last season that ranked 25th in MLB. As a staff, the Reds gave up the third most home runs per 9 innings and had the fifth-fewest shutouts by their starters. With trades by other competitors, the Reds could challenge for the division because of the depth of this group.
Milwaukee Brewers
Projected rotation: Freddy Peralta, Wade Miley, Jakob Junis, Colin Rea, Robert Gasser
The Brewers had the league’s best ERA last season and the second-best WHIP. However, with the departures of Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, this staff has been deeply depleted by losing their top two arms. Peralta and Miley have had good seasons and could boost the rotation with strong seasons. Junis, who was acquired just this week, is in a one-year deal that the Brewers are hoping to parlay into a sold season.
St. Louis Cardinals
Projected rotation: Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Steven Matz
There are a lot of “what-ifs” for the Cardinals. If each of these starters can match their best year or potential, this staff has a chance to be the best in the division. However, counting on that to happen might be a stretch. It seems weird to think the Cardinals could spend another October at home, but that could be the case unless this staff surprises. Anything might be an improvement over the third-worst WAR for starting pitchers and bottom fourth for ERA last season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Projected rotation: Mitch Keller, Martín Pérez, Marco Gonzales, Luis Ortiz, Quinn Priester
As is the case nearly every season, the Pirates hope for development out of young draft picks and veterans to help show the way. Ortiz and Priester are unproven, so it may be too much to ask. The loss of JT Brubaker and Johan Oviedo to Tommy John surgery is a tough blow to this team. With the third youngest pitching staff in the majors, help is coming. Their farm system is good, but it may be a few years away from adding to the major league club. The sooner, the better, considering the Pirates had a -2.1 WAR for starting pitchers last season.
So, Where Does This Leave the Cubs?
Unlike in other divisions, no clear-cut candidate for the best rotation exists. Suppose the Cubs were in the N.L. West, they would be lucky to be third. However, in the National League Central, this staff should be the best of the group. As long as there is no severe drop-off from their starters, it should be enough to complement the offense. Some starters like Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are still available on the free-agent market. However, their asking price will probably push them out of the Cubs future given the ballclub is still looking for more offense. If that’s the case, this group should still challenge to be the best in the division.
Main Photo Credits: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
