The Chicago Cubs went into free agency hoping to upgrade their starting pitching. They passed on David Price and Jordan Zimmerman. The Cubs finally made a move bringing in free agent pitcher John Lackey. Lackey agreed to a two-year $32 million contract. What kind of move is this for the Chicago Cubs?
John Lackey is a veteran starting pitcher who has played for three teams including the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. Last season Lackey went 13-10 with 175 strikeouts and an era of 2.77. That assisted the St. Louis Cardinals to win the National League Central Division but they fell to the Chicago Cubs in the Division Series. Lackey is a proven winner with a career record of 165-127. He can also strike batters out with 1,965 and an era of 3.92.
Lackey could have stayed in St. Louis but chose to come to the Chicago Cubs. He is familiar with some players, coaching staff, and the front office. Lackey is now reunited with former teammates, Jon Lester and David Ross. Ross was in Boston with Lackey for two seasons, 2013 and 2014. Jon Lester pitched with him from 2010 to 2014. Cubs President Theo Epstein, who was the Red Sox General Manager, signed him to Boston as a free agent in 2009. When Lackey was in an Angels uniform, manager Joe Madden was part of the coaching staff in 2002.
The Cubs improve their starting pitching with this move. They aren’t paying him a lot of money compared to some teams who are seeking starting pitching. Lackey should be the number three starter in the rotation behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. The Cubs are hoping Lackey’s experience in the postseason will help the Cubs go further than the National League Championship Series.
What do you think of the Cubs signing John Lackey and how will this move improve the Cubs next season?
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