The Chicago Cubs' playoff journey this year highlighted a glaring truth: pitching depth is the lifeblood of postseason success. While their elite defense, boasting six Gold Glove finalists, kept them competitive (team ERA of 3.81, 9th in MLB), their rotation's lack of strikeouts (23rd in MLB with a 20.5% strikeout rate) and average fastball velocity (24th at 93.4 mph) ultimately exposed vulnerabilities. This became painfully evident in their final series against the Brewers, where starters crumbled, surrendering 16 runs in the first two games.
Yes, the offense sputtered in the decisive game, but the pitching staff's inability to consistently generate strikeouts and dominate batters left them vulnerable. Team president Jed Hoyer acknowledges the need for improvement, stating, “When the ball is not in play is better than when it’s in play, by definition. You’re always looking for stuff and strikeouts.”
But here's where it gets controversial: Hoyer faced criticism for not acquiring another starting pitcher at the trade deadline. While he admits this decision may have cost them, he argues that the asking prices were exorbitant, potentially requiring the sacrifice of promising prospects like Cade Horton or Matt Shaw. He points to the evolving playoff landscape, with fewer sellers and more teams vying for contention, making midseason acquisitions increasingly difficult.
And this is the part most people miss: The Cubs were close to addressing this need last winter with a deal for Jesús Luzardo, a lefty with a blazing fastball and a high strikeout rate. However, medical concerns scuttled the deal. Luzardo's addition would have provided the swing-and-miss element the Cubs desperately lacked.
Looking ahead, the Cubs have several paths to bolster their pitching. They can rely on internal development, hoping prospects like Horton, who showed promising strikeout potential late in the season, and Justin Steele, with his solid career strikeout rate, can take the next step. Alternatively, they could pursue free agents like Dylan Cease, known for his overpowering stuff, or explore trades for established starters like Joe Ryan.
The question remains: Is relying on internal development enough, or do the Cubs need to make a splashy acquisition to truly contend for a championship? The upcoming offseason will be crucial in determining whether the Cubs can build the pitching depth necessary to not just reach the playoffs, but to make a deep run. One thing is certain: in today's baseball landscape, where pitching reigns supreme, the Cubs' success hinges on their ability to find and cultivate arms that can dominate batters and silence opposing offenses.
