Chicago Cubs will learn a lot from rivals’ moves at Winter Meetings

Cubs finally hook up with Tyson Ross on a deal

Dating back to 2014, the Chicago Cubs have eyed right-hander Tyson Ross with interest. The team even reportedly tried to deal Starlin Castro to San Diego for him at one point.

Last week, the Friars non-tendered Ross due to his recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. He pitched only 5 1/3 innings last season due to injury but, prior to 2016, was an up-and-coming arm in the National League.

Across 2014 and 2015, he racked up nearly 400 innings’ worth of 3.03 ERA ball, making 64 starts. In that time, he averaged just under 10 strikeouts-per-nine.

At least for 2017, Chicago is set in the “ace” department. The trio of Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, and Kyle Hendricks remains intact for what could be the last time with the former hitting the market next winter.

Lester, meanwhile, is coming off a 19-win campaign while Hendricks led the league in earned run average. Adding a piece like Ross gives a nice replacement for the departing Hammel and adds an always-needed rotation option.

This won’t be a winter of headline-making moves for Chicago, but one that seeks to add depth. Tyson Ross is the epitome of quality depth.