After starting the 2021 season as potential contenders with the core that gave the franchise the 2016 World Series title, the Chicago Cubs turned into sellers around the deadline and traded Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Craig Kimbrel, and many other players to enter a retooling phase.
During the offseason, however, they spent as a contending team, so while their roster is certainly not perfect, they could conceivably make things interesting in the NL Central division.
The Cubs brought in Seiya Suzuki, Marcus Stroman, David Robertson, Chris Martin, Clint Frazier, Yan Gomes, and others to round out a pretty competitive squad.
Manager David Ross has already announced his rotation plans for the first three games of the regular season.
“David Ross announces #Cubs rotation order to start the year vs. Brewers. Thursday: RHP Kyle Hendricks Friday: LHP Justin Steele Saturday: RHP Marcus Stroman,” Chicago Tribune writer Meghan Montemurro tweeted on Monday.
David Ross announces #Cubs rotation order to start the year vs. Brewers.
Thursday: RHP Kyle Hendricks
Friday: LHP Justin Steele
Saturday: RHP Marcus Stroman— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) April 4, 2022
Hendricks, Steele, And Stroman For The Opening Weekend
It’s not surprising to see Hendricks, who has been with the Cubs for his entire career, getting the nod to start on Opening Day.
Steele’s presence in a prime rotation spot has a lot to do with Wade Miley‘s recent injury.
The left-hander was recently shut down for ten days as he deals with inflammation in his left (throwing) elbow.
Stroman, who signed a three-year, $71 million contract over the offseason, will be tasked with taking the ball in the series finale against the Brewers.
Drew Smyly and Alec Mills are candidates to round out the rotation for the 2022 Cubs, as they try to return to respectability.
In the end, the Brewers should be viewed as the favorites in the NL Central, but don’t rule out the Cubs.
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