Chicago Cubs sign former Dodger southpaw Brett Anderson

After missing out on Tyson Ross, the Chicago Cubs continued their quest to find starting pitching. Today, they signed a left-handed starting pitcher to fill that void.

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with free-agent left-hander Brett Anderson. The deal is for one year and $3.5 million, which could increase to $10 million, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Anderson spent the 2016 season with the Dodgers, but spent most of the season on the disabled list and has only pitched in 65 games in the last five seasons.

Anderson, 28, is an interesting option for the Cubs. He has had his share of ups and downs over his eight-year big-league career but the downs have been mostly due to injuries. Initially drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2006, Anderson made his big-league debut in 2009 with the A’s. He went 11-11 with a 4.06 ERA in 175.1 innings that season, finishing sixth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

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Since 2008, Anderson has only had one more full year in the big leagues. As a member of the Dodgers in 2015, he went 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA in 31 starts and 180.1 innings pitched. Over his career, he’s made 115 starts, compiling a 38-43 record with a solid 3.86 ERA. So when healthy, Anderson is a pretty solid back of the rotation pitcher.

Worth the Risk?

The Cubs had to decide whether Anderson is worth the risk. The Cubs found a very solid experienced left-hander if he remains healthy. Anderson is not a strikeout pitcher with just a 6.7 K/9 career mark.  He makes up for it, though, with a relatively low 2.4 BB/9 career rate. He is prone to the long ball, averaging about one per every nine innings. Anderson is also a four-pitch pitcher with a big slow curveball and great command. His 3.70 career FIP suggests he could benefit greatly from the Cubs excellent defense.

For the Cubs, he likely competes with Montgomery for the 5th starter spot but will have the upper hand going into Spring Training. This move also adds another veteran left-hander to the mix. This once again means a reunion with free agent lefty Travis Wood is unlikely. After the Cubs failed to sing Tyson Ross, there was speculation that a return to the Cubs was possible. While the Cubs would like to have Wood back, there really isn’t much space in the bullpen for him.

I think this a great move for the Cubs. If Anderson proves he’s healthy, the Cubs get a really solid 5th starter for no more than $10 million. (The details of the incentives are not yet known). If he does get plagued by injury, then the Cubs only waste $3.5 million and could slide Montgomery right into that No. 5 spot. If the Cubs like what they see, they can sign him long-term. That would fill a potential open spot in the 2018 rotation.

Next: Cubs bullpen stronger than ever

I don’t think this spells the end of Montgomery in the rotation. With the Cubs wanting to use a 6th starter at times throughout the season, Montgomery now becomes that pitcher. I still would look for the Cubs to continue to add more pitching depth, especially from the left side. This move certainly bolsters the depth and rotation.