Chicago Cubs: Recent history bodes well for Brad Brach

Over the years the Chicago Cubs have acquired sub-par pitchers from the Baltimore Orioles. But while they didn’t seem important at the time, their value was immeasurable.

Occasionally as a GM, you’ll find a ‘diamond in the rough.’ This has been the case for three specific pitchers. Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and Pedro Strop. Fortunately, the Chicago Cubs organization was able to turn around these pitchers into success stories.

These additions were crucial parts in the 2016 World Series run, and now the Chicago Cubs are hoping to replicate the same success with the recent signing of Brad Brach for the 2019 season. If any baseball fans have seen this trend, there should be a lot of excitement about this addition.

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The best part is that Brach has a career 2.99 ERA in five seasons with the Orioles. Plus he has playoff experience with both the Orioles and the Braves, which can bring a smooth transition for the Cubs championship culture for the right-handed reliever.

The trends show a positive outcome for three significant factors in the Cubs rotation since 2013.

Strop: 7.25 ERA to 2.21 in 65 games

Hammel: 4.97 ERA to 2.97 in 17 starts

Arrieta: 7.23 ERA to 2.53 in 25 starts

If history is any indication, Brach will be a significant asset in the Cubs effort to reign on top of the NL Central once again. He can fill various roles, especially if Joe Maddon would like to preserve other arms for down the stretch.

One of the best parts of this addition is his ability to fill the closer role. In 2017, Brach was able to fill the role for All-Star closer Zach Britton when he went down with a ruptured Achilles. This will be helpful to have with the injury of the potential closer, Brandon Morrow, for the first part of the season.

So in less than a month, we will have the first sighting of Brach and the newest additions in a Cubs uniform alongside the top prospects and veterans hoping to gain respect for the nations best fanbase. Don’t put away your snow shovels yet if you’re in Chicago. But just know that baseball is right around the corner.