Chicago Cubs will get their man for the rotation – it’s a matter of time

Make no mistake. Despite the lengthy waiting game, the Chicago Cubs will get the man they want to round out the rotation before Spring Training opens.

Despite the fervent panic gripping fans on social media, things are all systems go for the Chicago Cubs this offseason. They got a much-needed starter in Tyler Chatwood, locking up the right-hander on a three-year deal.

In the bullpen, they added multiple pieces, as well. Steve Cishek and Brandon Morrow joined on two-year contracts. More depth moves have taken place since then – adding pieces to the mix just over a month from pitchers and catchers reporting. But that last big domino is yet to fall.

The top three free agent starting pitchers are still available in Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb. When the winter began, Cobb seemed like a sure-fire signing for Chicago. Since then, we’ve heard multiple reports about an increased asking price. Which, in turn, led to reinvigorated interest in the other two names.

Arrieta represents the known. He turned his career around with the Cubs, winning a Cy Young Award and emerging as a fan favorite. Darvish, meanwhile, struggled in the World Series but remains one of the best hurlers in the game today.

But here’s the kicker in it all. When it comes down to it, no matter the date, the Chicago Cubs will get their guy. With the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing the luxury tax limits ahead of 2018, Chicago is the big dog at the food bowl.

So, one more time, let’s go over the top three options.