By Jordan Long
The Chicago Cubs added depth to their pitching rotation. Pitcher Brett Anderson agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million but could be worth $10 million with incentives. Anderson needs to pass a physical for it to be official. How will this help the Chicago Cubs?
The Cubs were looking to add an arm to the backend of the rotation. The Cubs already have a stellar rotation with Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Jon Lester. They were missing a fifth starter after Cubs declined an option for 2017 with pitcher Jason Hammel at the end of last season. If Anderson passes his physical he will fill that void.
Anderson is an 8-year veteran who has played for three teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, and Oakland Athletics. He owns a career record of 38-43 with an era of 3.86 and 507 strikeouts. Even if Anderson doesn’t strike batters out, the location of his pitches forces batters to hit ground balls which are easy plays for the infielders. He will help the backend of the Cubs rotation to win games.
The only problem with the contract is Anderson’s health. He underwent back surgery at the start of the year last season forcing him to miss most of the season. Anderson pitched in a career low 4 games and started three of them with a record of 1-2 with 5 strikeouts and an era of 11.91.
This is a low risk, high reward move for the Cubs. They aren’t overpaying for Anderson. If he passes his physical, the Cubs will have their 5th starter in the rotation to start spring training. He must prove to the Cubs that he can pitch at a high level. Hopefully Anderson will make the Cubs team and help them win the World Series for the second straight year.
What do you think of the Chicago Cubs signing Brett Anderson?
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