The Chicago Cubs have been linked to many of the big name pitchers in the offseason rumor mill, but there seemed to be a commitment to not overspending on starter with a contract that would last six-to-seven years. Instead, they have agreed to terms with John Lackey on a two-year contract.
The 37-year-old righty is coming off a strong season for the St. Louis Cardinals where he posted a 1.21 WHIP and 2.77 ERA over over 218 innings. The advanced metrics point to Lackey's numbers regressing with a career-best 82.6 strand rate and a 3.57 FIP serving as indications of a pitcher who hangs around more of a 3.5 to 3.7 ERA.
But this is still a very good deal for both sides. Lackey gets to cash in after earning less than $1 million this season as a result of a special clause in his last contract. Now Lackey will earn nearly $17 million per season each of the next two years, while the Cubs add a much needed upgrade to their rotation.
As a result of Lackey declining the Cardinals' qualifying offer earlier in the offseason, Chicago will have to forfeit their first-round pick, which would have been 28th overall. The addition of Lackey was necessary and it is a short-term deal, making it the perfect move for a young, contending team.