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Over a month ago I wrote a little bit on how the rotation would pan out for the Cubs, and also did an evaluation on Adbert Alzolay. But with the Cubs already acquiring Miley, and in the mix for Matz, as well as wanting an ace like Stroman or Gausman, how do the young starters like Alzolay, Steele, and Thompson fit into the Cubs plans?
To start out, what is the rotation looking like right now? Right now, it comprises of Miley, Hendricks, and Mills, plus the other 3 guys. But the Cubs aren't over in filling the rotation. Like I said, they're trying to get Matz, and I would expect them to add at least one more pitcher even if they don't get Matz. Two more pitchers may be a possibility, like signing Stroman and Gray, or something like that.
If that is the case, the rotation would consist of Miley, Hendricks, (Stroman), (Gray), Mills. That would be the rotation, with none of the young trio making the rotation. But if the Cubs got only one more pitcher, say, Gausman, then that would leave room for one of them to get into the rotation. If only one of them could make the rotation, I'd say probably Alzolay, though if he struggles like he did this past year, then I could see Steele.
Let's be honest here. These three guys have spent years preparing to be in the MLB, and as long as they're playing in the big leagues, I don't think they really care if they get a rotation or a relief spot. They'll try to do well at whatever role they get, but I don't think they'll be upset at not getting a rotation spot.
All three make really good bullpen arms. Alzolay had a 1.40 ERA in 19.1 IP as a reliever. Thompson had a 2.43 ERA in 37 IP as a reliever. Steele had a 2.03 ERA in 13.1 IP as a reliever. So, all three were dominant in the bullpen, and will make quality bullpen arms that can pitch multiple innings.
I'm actually really liking that idea, especially if the rotation has Stroman, Matz, Miley, Hendricks, and Mills. Then, if one of them goes only 4 or 5 innings, one of the trio can do a multiple inning relief. Either way for them, they'll be in the major leagues, and either doing bullpen pitching or getting a rotation spot.
What to do with Mills is another question. He's a soft-thrower like Hendricks, and as the Cubs are trying to move away from pitchers like that...where does he fit in? Trading him is an option, but Mills seems like he'll probably stay. Should they DFA or make a move like that to Mills so another team can get him and he can continue his career, or should they just keep him until his contract expires (2026). They'll probably lose him before then, but how soon I don't know.
It would seem like the right thing to do would to give the three young starters the chance to compete for a rotation spot, which would likely mean getting rid of Mills.
But there is still another question about a couple more starters ready to enter the MLB scene. Brailyn Marquez and Caleb Kilian. Both are scheduled to be on the Cubs' team in 2022, and both are starters by trade.
Seeing how little rotation pitching Marquez has had in the last couple years, it would be highly improbable he would be competing for a rotation spot. He'll likely be in the bullpen, where I'm sure he'll be very valuable once he finds his groove.
Kilian will likely be doing the same thing, seeing that Alzolay, Thompson, and Steele have had more MLB experience and would be more likely to make the rotation. Now, when you're considering it, that leaves the Cubs with a bullpen group of Alzolay, Steele, Thompson, Marquez, Kilian, Heuer, Wick, Effross, Wieck, and prospect Ethan Roberts. That's an honestly solid bullpen, if you think about it.
So, while their roles are still up in the air, they're definitely going to have a career with the Cubs in an MLB setting. I'm excited for them whether they're in the rotation or bullpen!
That's all for now, so have a great day!
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