Chicago Cubs: One year of Cole Hamels is not worth missing out on Bryce Harper

Chicago Cubs: Pitching depth rules – at least right now

Despite the cliche that you can never have too much pitching, the Cubs may have had too many candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation.

In addition to Hamels, Mike Montgomery and Chatwood are under contract for next season and are out of minor league options. The Cubs also have Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay and Duane Underwood Jr. as starting pitching depth in the minors.

So the Cubs weren’t in a position where they had to pick up Hamels’ option. Picking up that option was about making the team better for next season. The Cubs couldn’t go into next season counting on Chatwood – especially after how poorly he pitched last year. Montgomery can go back to the bullpen. He can also once again be insurance in case a starting pitcher suffers an injury.