Skip to main content

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!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Articles Coming Again to Cubbies Gazette?

It's been awhile Cubs fans. I've been pretty active on Twitter, so if you haven't yet, give me a follow there. There's plenty of Cubs blogs out there, with my personal favorite being Bleacher Nation. So I don't intend to just repeat or say the same things others are saying, but I want to provide my thoughts on certain things that might differ or be new to Cubs fans.  Basically, I want to write brief articles on different Cubs related topics that might be new or original. This is just a hobby for me, so don't expect articles every single day. I'll also be sharing some thoughts of others from Twitter that I found interesting. If you're interested in writing for Cubbies Gazette, DM me on Twitter or email me at cubbiesgazette@gmail.com. Thanks for all of your support on Twitter, and as always, GO CUBS GO!
1 comment
Read more

AFL Update, Cubs Injuries Update, and Other Cubs Tidbits

Just a quick update: I'll be uploading more frequently now, but quite a few will be shorter articles with a few quick updates. Velazquez is unbelievable, if you haven't heard anything about him... ⚠️CAN’T. BE. STOPPED.⚠️ Nelson Velazquez destroys his league leading 9th homer of the season. The @cubs prospect is shooting you the tannings ⬆️ @MLBPipeline @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/96kLpub5Ny — MLB's Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) November 12, 2021  Here's Velazquez's overall stats for this year: Feels like the right time to check in on Nelson Velazquez’ 2021 (A+/AA/AFL), which is now 125 games and 533 plate appearances. 289 AVG 363 OBP 542 SLG 29 2B, 2 3B, 29 HR 80 R, 93 RBI 8.8 BB% / 30 K% 17 / 20 SB — Cubs Prospects - Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) November 12, 2021 More AFL star players who just happen to be Cubs...    Cubs prospect Andy Weber led the charge in Mesa’s 11-run comeback with a grand slam and his fourth AFL triple: https://t.co/0GHf62SkxO...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top Defensive Shortstop Trade Options for the Cubs

  Yep. I want Carlos Correa too. He's a great defensive and offensive player that would add a lot to the Cubs. I hate to burst your bubble, but it's not a guarantee that he's signing with the Cubs. They may be the front runners for him, but with the new CBA contract in the future, and the price...it's still not a given that the Cubs will get Correa. So, as a backup, I made a list of some of the top defensive shortstops in the league who could be possible trade options for the Cubs if they don't get Correa. 1. Nicky Lopez Lopez was the top defensive shortstop in 2021, having a 24 OAA (Outs Above Average) according to Statcast. That was not only the great thing about Lopez in 2021. He had a .300/.365/.378 with a 106 wRC+ and a 4.4 WAR. He had a low 13.1% K rate and a good 8.7% BB rate. Although he never hits the ball hard, and his 26.9% HardH rate is in the bottom 3% of the league, his success is obvious.  His 2021 season was the first time in his three-year MLB caree...
Post a Comment
Read more