Chicago Cubs: The pros and cons of signing Tyson Ross

No longer the pitcher he once was

This is where the Cubs may expect Ross to land in this recovery. The front office liked Ross before, but that when the demand for Ross was high and they wouldn’t budge. Now, the Cubs–or Rangers–should get a discount for the 29-year-old righty. Think of it as an “audition” for next year. Even if he struggles in his return, the prospect of Ross as a fifth or sixth starter would be fine with the Cubs. The other part of it is that they won’t have to give up a draft pick to sign him.

Ross has struggled with his control over the last few seasons. That includes his All-Star season of 2014. He walked 72 batters in 2014, and league-high 84 in 2015. even with that he pitched 190+ innings in each season and posted a 2.81 and 3.26 ERA, respectively. The Cubs have been pretty clear they plan on using a six-man rotation, and that could be best for Ross as he works his way back.

Hammel won 15 games for the Cubs last year, but he surrendered a 5.22 ERA to hitters after July 1. He’s also allowed 20+ home runs in each of the last four seasons. If Ross has a small drop off in command, his ability to keep the ball in the yard would make him a clear step up over what Hammel provided last year.