Chicago Cubs: Giving the players their final letter grades

Chicago Cubs: A strange, inconsistent year for the rotation

Jon Lester: C-

The old Blue Horse ain’t what he used to be. The contract was still 100 percent worth it.

Kyle Hendricks: A-

Overall the numbers for the Professor are very good, 3.46 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 1.13 WHIP and career-low 1.6 BB/9 in 177 innings. He just had a few games that completely got away from him, mostly on the road.

Cole Hamels: C+

First half he was the best starter on the staff. After his mid-season injury he REALLY struggled. Hats off for his overall great work here, but the last few months may just prompt Theo Epstein to let him walk. Second half 5.79 ERA vs. a 2.98 first half tells the story right there.

Yu Darvish: A

Roll your eyes all you want, the fact of the matter is Darvish was the best pitcher on this team the past several months. His last 14 starts he pitched to a 2.95 ERA, 124 strikeouts, seven walks and a .204 average against in 88 1/3 innings. The guy balled out and it was great.

Jose Quintana: C

Flashes of greatness were sadly washed away from some really bad final few starts in September. Just another season with overall average numbers despite stretches of quality work.