Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation help could come from the Bay

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) talks with pitching coach Chris Bosio (25) in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) talks with pitching coach Chris Bosio (25) in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Cain – Free agent 2017, 2018 club option: 3-6, 4.99 ERA, 46 Ks, 74 IP

Matt Cain would be the least likely of the four to be considered an upgrade in the Chicago Cubs rotation.

Signed to a contract worth $127.5 million, the Giants figured he would headline the starting rotation for years. Instead, 2012 was his last solid season.

Since going 16-5 Cain is 19-35, and his 4.00 ERA in 2013 is his lowest since 2012. Injuries have been a major issue.

Cain would figure as an innings-eater for the rotation or bullpen. He could be an option with Brett Anderson, Eddie Butler, or Mike Montgomery. One of which could possibly eat innings out of the bullpen. Low-level prospect(s) and the Giants significantly taking on Cain’s contract likely is the only way Cain ever comes to Chicago. But Cain would obviously not figure as a top priority.