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It's Official: Marcus Stroman and Michael Hermosillo Sign With the Cubs






Last night, before my very eyes, I saw the Cubs actually sign the pitcher that since the beginning of the offseason I wanted them to get. I was pumped, not only because they signed him, but because Stroman himself was really excited. Now, I just can't wait to see him pitching in a Cubs jersey.

The official deal: 3-years, $71M. A pretty good steal, and pitcher you'll have until the young ones really move up. Exciting!


That's right. It's actually real. So, what does that mean for the Cubs, now that they have Stroman?

  • It provides a much-needed ace that is athletic and detail-oriented. Sure, he's not the high-strikeout, upper-90s pitcher like what would be *ideal*, but who can deny the fact that Stroman is a good pitcher?
  • A groundball specialist. These kinds of pitchers are good; the type that makes you groundout or strikes you out. The only problem with that is that the Cubs don't have a gold glove infield. So, I think it's time the Cubs upped their defense to help Stroman out.
  • A leader who can help the younger pitchers. He is obsessed about pitching mechanics, grips, etc., and that can easily rub off and help the younger pitchers. I'm looking forward to some mentorship going on.
  • In short, a top-tier pitcher. Just a reminder of his 2021 stats: 3.02 ERA and a 3.4 WAR in 179 IP. Pretty good, eh? How about this: 50.8% GB rate and a 21.6% K rate. Threw seven different pitches in 2021. I'm excited to have him on the Cubs!
Ok. I got so excited that the Cubs actually signed Stroman that I almost forgot about their other signing: Michael Hermosillo.

 

For those of you unfamiliar with this situation, the Cubs non-tendered Hermosillo on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday agrees to a 1-year, $600K deal. I like it and am puzzled by it all at the same time. 

Here's a couple tidbits on it:

  • Despite only hitting .194/.237/.500(!), he publicly announced he knew he could do better and hoped he'd shown the Cubs enough of that potential. I saw his potential, but when I saw the Cubs non-tender him, I assumed that would be the end of that.
  • But there is so many upsides, it's hard to miss. The .500 slugging percentage is crazy, and really shows his power. He has great speed and defense to add to that power, which really makes him a great player when at his full potential.
  • The interesting part about this is that the Cubs now have 6 outfielders with 2 possibly moving up during the season. It is as follows: Happ, Ortega, Heyward, Ramirez, Frazier, and Hermosillo. Now, I see it fine to have 5 or so outfielders, which means one of them are probably not going to get in.
  • As to who that would be, I would say it must be Ortega. He did well in 2021, and with no guarantee that he will perform as well in 2022, their best option might be to trade him.
Anyway, now the Cubs are at least set for outfield and basically pitching. Infield such as shortstop and third are still in the air, so the Cubs will still have moves to make there after the lockout.

That's all for now!

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