Chicago Cubs: Who is the ace of the Cubs’ staff?

There is a great need for a true ace right now

Last season, the Cubs had a true ace of their staff. His name was Jon Lester, and he won 19 games to lead the staff. In addition to earning the most wins, Lester also led the staff with 32 starts made, and 197 strikeouts recorded.

So far this season, no pitcher has set themselves apart from the rest of the staff. Even though Lester leads the staff with a 4.13 ERA, he only does so because Kyle Hendricks and Eddie Butler do not have enough innings to qualify. Jake Arrieta and Lester have each made 13 starts for the Cubs this season, but Arrieta has recorded six wins to Lester’s three.

Unlike last year when the Cubs’ main core of starters posted an ERA south of three, this season has been a different story. The six Cubs starters with at least six starts are posting a 5.04 ERA in 2017. That is more than two runs higher than last season and is a contributing factor to the Cubs’ .500 record.

What the Cubs desperately need is one starting pitcher to find his groove, and hopefully, the rest of the staff will follow suit.