The Cubs starting pitcher James Taillon was scratched from his most recent Cactus League start with lower back tightness and the team has yet to tell when they expect him back in the rotation. While Caleb Kilian is also sidelined with an injury and the season inching closer it appears there could be a rotation spot opening. While the Cubs have Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Shota Imanaga, and Jordan Wicks set in the rotation, the potential loss of Taillon for any length of time opens the door for a potential free-agent signing.
LHP – Blake Snell
Snell has been throwing out cryptic messages through his social channels and just added Patrick Wisdom, Fergie Jenkins, and Cody Bellinger to his friend’s list, leaving many people thinking it’s a sure sign he’s signing with the Cubs. While nothing has been said by the club the fan base is waiting patiently. Last season National League MVP remains a free agent as opening day is less than three weeks away. Last year Snell went 14-9 over 32 starts for the Padres striking out 234 batters over 180 innings pitched. Would Snell be a great addition to this current Cubs roster, yes sure, but there is one problem.
Summary
Blake Snell as good as he is, would be the fourth left-hand starter in the rotation and that might just be a little too heavy if you ask me from the left side. Not saying it’s not going to happen, but I think it’d be more likely the team would sign Michael Lorenzen or move Javier Asaad to the starting rotation before adding a fourth left-hand pitcher to the rotation. I would love to see a Snell in the pin stripes during a July day game at Wrigley, but I just can’t see the team adding a 4th left-handed pitcher to the mix. A right-hander sure, but a left would leave them extremely vulnerable to right-handed bats each series.
