Cubbies Crib
FanSided

Chicago Cubs make big moves in FanSided Faux Winter Offseason

By Jake Misener

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: Relief pitcher Justin Nicolino #20 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on September 24, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 3-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: Relief pitcher Justin Nicolino #20 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on September 24, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 3-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs acquire Justin Nicolino, Brad Ziegler from Miami Marlins for prospects Wladimir Gallindo and Jose Paulino

The main piece for the Cubs in this deal is Nicolino. The southpaw comes with four years of team control at a low cost. If all goes well, new pitching coach Jim Hickey can help turn things around for the southpaw.

Last year, Nicolino again played swing-man for the Marlins. He struggled, posting a 5.55 FIP and 1.792 WHIP across 48 innings. At home, he pitched well with an earned run average in the mid-3.00 range. I went into this deal hoping for a sub-4.00 ERA in year one and, hopefully, a downward trend in years to come.

Ziegler came as a salary relief piece for Miami. He’s due $9 million in 2018 (keep in mind, Davis is making $15 million annually). After an impressive 2016 split between Arizona and Boston, the right-hander wasn’t the same in his first season in South Beach. He allowed nearly 11 hits per nine – his most since 2009 with Oakland. But his 3.73 FIP is cause for hope. His unique arm angle could be a key piece for a matchup guy like Joe Maddon come October.