He's a Perfect 4-5 Starter when your rotation is healthy. He is going to eat innings. He Went 7 innings and gave up 3 runs and 3 hits. I will take that plus he pitched great in the playoffs last year. I don't know how you can't trust him. Of course he will have a game he gives up 5-6 runs because he throws strikes and doesn't throw 95+. I trust him way more than Boyd since the 2nd half of last year.
All I know is I'm really glad to have him after what has happened to the Cubs starting and bullpen pitching so far this year. Gotta have the starts, and gotta have someone who can usually go deep in the start since you have no reliable depth in starting or in the pen.
17 Million AVA is not that much in 2026 especially for a big market team like the Cubs. 33-26 with a 3.96 ERA and 3.2 WAR including his bad 2023. 25-16 with a 3.55 ERA and 3.6 War since 2024. I would say those are good stats. When 6 innings 3 Earned Runs are a quality start. He's been a good signing and a solid starter
It’s pretty much universally acknowledged the the minimums for a quality start (6IP 3ER) isn’t considered quality. I heard it numerous times by multiple broadcaster. I don’t understand your logic that big markets should be willing to pay more for average starters than small markets do.
Shaw had 1 knock him down, then another behind his back before he hit his HR yesterday.
6 innings and 3 Earned Runs keeps your team in the game lol Especially when its not your 1-2 Starter pitching. Glad a couple of broadcasters don't think that's not a quality start. My logic is the Cubs are not over paying him and its not a bad contract. Also the Cubs should be looking for average starters in the free market. It creates depth for organization. The Cubs would be in trouble without the signings of Taillon, Boyd and Rea who all are considered average starting pitchers. Glad the Pirates and Reds have all that young talent of starting pitchers that will leave the second that they hit the free market which the teams like the Cubs will go after.
That depends on how he looks at the end of the year. He is 34. If he has a solid year the front office considers it for sure. That is a 2027 problem not a 2023-2026 problem which you have been arguing about. We have needed him and will continue to this year with the Horton and Steele injuries and can not make a trade until July to help the rotation.
The market would be insanely expensive at this point in the year.
No on a QO, and maybe resign if the price tag and years are right. Depends on who they are in on in the offseason and how he finishes out this year I would entertain bringing him back if the fit is right. You can do a lot worse than him as one of your last 2 guys in the rotation. Having someone that is already familiar with the organization and proven to be fairly reliable and healthy is a plus. Guys that can eat 5-7 innings consistently at the backend of your rotation will always have some value and he will not have an issue finding a job in the free agent market.
