Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay’s potential impact on 2019 pitching staff

Chicago Cubs: Alzolay’s void felt by Cubs

Chatwood walked a league-high 95 batters in 2018 after signing a three-year contract in free agency last winter. So where am I going with this?

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Well, between injuries and/or signings that didn’t work out, Alzolay could have provided a huge boost to the 2018 Cubs. 2019’s outlook is somewhat murkier, however.

The calendar hasn’t even flipped yet, but the Cubs’ starting rotation for next season is already all but set.

Barring any injuries, trades or weird surprises, the Cubs likely will roll with Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, José Quintana, Hamels and Darvish (in no particular order).

If this ultimately is the case, the Cubs have two starting-caliber pitchers likely headed to the bullpen: Chatwood and Mike Montgomery.

Between Chatwood’s control issues and Montgomery’s desire to start, though, it would not be surprising if neither are on the team in 2019.