Chicago Cubs: Looking at past decisions that impacted this year’s team

Chicago Cubs: The Brandon Morrow, Tyler Chatwood and Yu Darvish offseason

Two more key members of the 2016 championship squad weren’t re-signed by the Cubs following the 2017 season. And, arguably, their departures were far more significant than Fowler due to their positions on the roster..

By letting Jake Arrieta (Philadelphia Phillies) and John Lackey (unsigned) walk in free agency, the Cubs were tasked with replacing 40 percent of their starting rotation heading into 2018. This was done by signing Tyler Chatwood and Yu Darvish, moves that looked good, initially.

Instead, Chatwood led MLB with walks in 2018, getting demoted to the bullpen after the Cubs acquired Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers. Darvish made just eight starts last season, the last coming on May 20, batting ineffectiveness before succumbing to a season-ending injury in the sumner.

Speaking of injury, closer Brandon Morrow — who’s dealt with numerous injuries in his big league career — last pitched July 15, 2018. Although he was dominant last season, his injury issues followed him to Chicago.

Morrow’s likely thrown his last pitch for the Cubs despite not appearing in a game in 2019. Since the Cubs had no closer this season, they brought Craig Kimbrel aboard for three years and $43 million. Kimbrel has looked good at times, though he’s been inconsistent.