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The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation was Major League Baseball’s best in 2016. Bigger things could await them in 2017.
Numbers never lie. The Chicago Cubs pitching staff was baseball’s best in 2016. They lead all teams in ERA (3.15), WHIP (1.11), opponent average (.212), and runs allowed (556). Add to that being third overall in strikeouts, and you have enough to win any debate.
The starting rotation was the anchor of the team. While there were no 20-game winners on the club in 2016, five starters won 11 or more. Additionally, each of the starting five pitched in 29 or more games, with 166+ innings pitched, and none had an ERA over 4.00. It was a rotation of historic proportions.
What does 2017 hold in terms of the starting rotation? Here are some rather bold predictions.