Chicago Cubs: Tyler Chatwood may have fixed a mechanical flaw
By Paul Ashley
The Chicago Cubs received poor performances from two high-priced free agent starting pitchers last season, but the organization is hopeful that both pitchers will significantly improve next season.
According to Sahadev Sharma of the Athletic, Tyler Chatwood and the Chicago Cubs may have fixed a mechanical flaw that led to a disastrous debut season on the North Side. As Chatwood pitched to a 4-6 win-loss record last season with a 5.30 ERA, 5.60 FIP, and 1.804 WHIP through his first 24 games with the Cubs, it would give the rotation a significant boost if he is able to return to his 2011-2017 form.
During this time, Chatwood compiled 130 appearances between his time spent on the Los Angeles Angels and the Colorado Rockies. Throughout these appearances, he put together a 4.31 ERA, 4.58 FIP, and a 1.485 WHIP.
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Although his performance through the first six seasons of his career are not All-Star or Cy Young candidate level, returning to these numbers would give the Cubs a reliable option in the back-end of the rotation that they did not have last season.
As the contract provided to Chatwood last off-season likely hindered the ability for the Cubs to be in the market for relief pitchers such as Adam Ottavino and David Robertson, or infield depth such as Daniel Murphy and DJ LeMahieu, the organization needs much better results over the next two campaigns. After receiving $12.50 million last season, he is owed $12.50 million next season, and $13.00 million in 2020.
His contract in 2020 could increase to $17.00 million if he reaches certain All-Star selection goals or Cy Young voting goals, but the Cubs would gladly pay that amount if he was able to outdo his career averages and provide top of the rotation performances.
Next. Yu Darvish wants to prove he is worth the money. dark
As Yu Darvish is on track to also improve on his disappointing debut season with the Cubs, the rotation on the North Side of Chicago could be something special if these two high-priced starting pitchers are back on track.