Chicago Cubs: Why the Cubs won’t sign Yu Darvish this winter

Cubs looking to fill back of rotation

The main news on the Cubs front, particularly the starting pitching, is that of former Rays pitcher, Alex Cobb. A signing feels imminent. Although imminent could be next month, but there’s just a sense that something will get done at some point.

Assuming Cobb gets at least a four-year, $60 million deal, that is a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm for Chicago. Without the albatross in salary or years committed.

Just as the trade for cost-controlled starter Jose Quintana signaled the Cubs’ strategy, particularly for the rotation and long-term, signing Cobb would provide insurance for the middle to back-end of the rotation while giving the organization time to cultivate new prospects.

That previously posed question of Darvish or Arrieta? The answer is likely none. Not at either pitcher’s demand, as both are likely diminishing assets as they creep towards age 40 by the end of the contracts.

Arrieta is more familiar, and on the right deal, I would probably push more for bringing him back. But he also comes with concerns, such as mechanically, in the early going of the 2017 season. Although he has typically rebounded, how long can that continue?

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The Cubs are on the fine line between doing something bold, possibly trade-wise, but staying on the free agent conservative side. Just as Arrieta is likely going somewhere else in 2018, don’t count on Yu Darvish to be his replacement.

Not to mention, the Cubs are prioritizing relief pitchers. Not top-of-the-rotation starters, risks included.