Chicago Cubs: Why Sonny Gray is the only acceptable answer

Jun 10, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As recent as 2015, Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray was one of baseball’s rising stars on the bump. Is he a Chicago Cubs’ target?

It’s no secret the Chicago Cubs need pitching help. One of the top available arms exists in the form of Athletics’ ace Sonny Gray, who has battled up-and-down performance in his still-young career.

Gray pitched to a 2.73 ERA and had a 1.082 WHIP in 31 starts during the 2015 season. The past two seasons, unfortunately, have been a different story.

Last year, he had a whopping 5.69 ERA and a WHIP of 1.496 in only 22 starts because he battled injuries throughout the year. This season has been better, but not by much.

So far in his 2017 campaign, Gray owns a 4.44 ERA, a 93 ERA and a WHIP of 1.348. These numbers compute to Gray still being a +0.3 WAR pitcher.

You may wonder why the Cubs should deal for Gray. Many point to his inconsistency and health issues as major detractors. I’m here to break down why this is the logical move for Theo and Jed.

As recent as 2015, Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray was one of baseball’s rising stars on the bump. Is he a Chicago Cubs’ target?

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