Chicago Cubs Prediction: Tyler Chatwood will outperform Alex Cobb in 2018

Chicago Cubs: Tyler Chatwood has it all working right now

On the spring, Chatwood carries a 2.81 ERA over his five Cactus League outings. You might think that would lead the Cubs – but no member of the Cubs’ projected rotation has an ERA north of 3.00. In other words, Chatwood has met the challenge of his rotation mates and has matched them, start for start.

In 16 innings, opponents managed just 11 knocks against him – while striking out 18 times. Batting just .204, they’ve barely managed any substantive damage when he’s on the mound. For a guy who seemed to be a question-mark type signing at first glance, this is exciting stuff.

Now, obviously, spring performances do not always equate to regular season success. On this team, Chicago has guys like Ryan Court and David Bote raking at the dish. It’s unlikely either see any real playing time with the big league team this year – despite that fact.

But coming off a 15-loss season with the Rockies, this spring does nothing but build confidence in Chatwood – whose elite spin rate and above-average stuff could propel him into the surprise of the season on the North Side.