Chicago Cubs: Where are they now? A look at some former players’ paths

Travis Wood

Woody first came to the Cubs in the winter of 2011, from the division rival Cincinnati Reds. The southpaw made a career in the Windy City, as he had a career season in 2013, pitching 200 innings with a 3.11 ERA.

Chicago Cubs

2014 was a step back, pitching to a 5.03 earned run average. In the 2015 season, the Cubs decided to make him a reliever, and he flourished. He pitched to a 3.84 ERA in 2015, and an even lower 2.95 in 2016, performing as a vital member of the Cubs’ bullpen.

Woody also became kind of a cult figure in Chicago due to his pop with the bat. He hit eight home runs as a hitter, including one in the playoffs last year, against the Giants, that will forever be an iconic moment in Cub history. Throw in his catch against the wall while playing left field during the regular season, and it’s easy to see how unforgettable Wood truly is.

After last season, Wood joined Jason Hammel in Kansas City, signing a two year deal, worth $12 million, with a mutual option for 2019. A lot like Hammel, again, Wood has struggled.

He has pitched to a 6.06 ERA so far, giving up 40 hits in 32.2 innings, with 19 walks, and 24 strikeouts.