Chicago Cubs: Everything you need to know about Chatwood signing
The Chicago Cubs sign Tyler Chatwood, looking to improve on their pitching woes from 2017…
The Chicago Cubs made an addition to their pitching staff, adding Tyler Chatwood for their 2018 starting rotation.
Chatwood pitched the past five seasons in the thin air of Colorado, having a roller coaster of tenure with the Rockies. The location and money were enough reasons for Chatwood to move on this MLB free agency season.
Source confirms Cubs agree to deal with Tyler Chatwood. He’ll get three years and $38 million.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 7, 2017
The consensus is split, with some feeling this to be a “waste,” while others feel this is the “steal” of the offseason.
Steal. Solid starter everywhere but Coors Field. Not too uncommon.
— Lyle Spencer (@LyleMSpencer) December 7, 2017
Chatwood’s main bug a boo has been the free passes he’s allowed, which has spelled doom for the right-hander.
With the Colorado Rockies, Chatwood’s BB/K was 315/438, where most of his struggles spawned. His 2018 was a rough going: 8-15 record/4.69 ERA/1.44 WHIP/77 BB/ 120 K.
Thanks to CBS Sports for this handy chart, showing Chatwood’s home and road splits.
Home games for the Colorado Rockies (Coors Field)
- IP: 148 1/3
- ERA: 6.07
- WHIP: 1.66
- FIP: 5.03
- K/9: 6.9
- BB/9: 4.3
- HR/9: 1.3
- GB%: 58.4%
Road Games:
- IP: 157 1/3
- ERA: 2.57
- WHIP: 1.17
- ERA: 4.23
- K/9: 7.0
- BB: 4.4
- HR/9: 0.856.8%
- GB %: 56.8%
Tyler Chatwood is embracing his inner Sheryl Crow, knowing that a change (change) will do you good.
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According to the statistics, change is warranted. One thing Chatwood does not want to modify is his curveball, with CBSS once again coming through with a fancy chart.
- Seth Lugo: 3,148 rpm
- Ryan Pressly: 3,042 rpm
- Jesse Hahn: 3,009 rpm
- Tyler Chatwood: 2,952 rpm
- Jeremy Hellickson: 2,948 rpm
- (MLB average: 2,477 rpm)
Chatwood’s two Tommy John surgeries should be a slight concern, but honestly, it’s becoming the norm in MLB. However, the Chicago Cubs aren’t asking him to be their ace, with their 2018 projected starting rotation projected as:
Next: Dee Gordon traded to Seattle
The Chicago Cubs won their second consecutive NL Central Division title, but, the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers are coming on strong in the rearview mirror.
Even though inking Chatwood for three years is a nice addition, the Cubs must do more in order thwart off their NL Central foes.