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Should the Chicago Cubs take a look at Nathan Eovaldi?

By Lorenzo Delgado |
Jun 3, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs have had a busy month of December.

They currently had signed one of the top shortstops in the 2022 free agent market in Dansby Swanson, with a seven-year, $177 million dollar contract. The Cubs later added some pitching depth in two starting pitchers with Jameson Taillon and bringing back Drew Smyly. Veteran reliever with Brad Boxburger was brought on board. Lastly, acquiring two players with some MLB hardware in their trophy cases with former two-time gold glove catcher Tucker Barnhart and signing former MVP Cody Bellinger, who is trying to revive his career. The hope is that these moves will be enough to contend for the NL Central.

Chicago Cubs could still use help in rotation

As of now, the projected 2023 Cubs starting rotation could look like this: Marcus Stroman, Kyle Hendricks, Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly, and Justin Steele. The most difficult part for the Cubs last season were the starting pitchers staying healthy. There were 17 pitchers that started at least one game last year in 2022, six among started over at least 15 games. Stroman dealt with a shoulder and leg injury, Hendricks was hammered with a shoulder problem, Wade Miley with multiple injuries, and so on. Could they look into adding a veteran starting pitcher? Could he help the Cubs compete in the NL Central? Maybe go to a six man rotation to prevent any more injuries?

Nathan Eovaldi would be a great piece to add!

Nathan Eovaldi did have his share of injuries last season as well as posting a bad ERA with the Boston Red Sox, however, he’s still an exceptional pitcher especially when he reaches the postseason. Chris Sale, the Boston Red Sox’s ace, only pitched two games in 2022 and dealt with two different injuries that held him out the whole entire season. With the season ending injury to Sale, the soon to be 33-year-old took over the number one spot in the rotation and didn’t have anyone to follow after him. If you add Eovaldi into the 2023 projected starting rotation that I mentioned, then he can be placed as the No.3 or No.4 starter.

This can work out for both the Chicago Cubs and Nathan Eovaldi. The Cubs could add an explosive pitcher that has sensational pitches, brings postseason experience, and possibly could redirect into a six man rotation to prevent all the injuries they have dealt with last season. Meanwhile, Eovaldi wouldn’t have to carry all the burden of being the number one pitcher like he was in Boston, and could rely on his teammates.

If the Chicago Cubs are building a roster with a mix of veterans and youth and planning to make a push for the postseason, then the 2018 World Series Champion could be a beneficial signing.

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