Chicago Cubs: Greatest players of the decade – #40-31

Chicago Cubs: No. 39: Justin Grimm

Justin Grimm was part of the haul the Chicago Cubs received when they traded Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers during the 2013 season. Grimm had failed to impress as a starter with the Rangers during the first part of 2013, posting a 5.97 ERA in 17 starts. However, the Cubs used him as a reliever when they acquired him, and he became an important bullpen piece over the next few years.

In a small sample size in 2013, Grimm gave up just two earned runs in nine innings pitched. In 2014, his first full year with the team, he appeared in 73 games and posted a decent 3.78 ERA.

However, his biggest year would come in 2015, and his contributions to that team are often overlooked. Despite missing the first month, Grimm appeared in 62 games and posted a minuscule 1.99 ERA.

The right-hander stayed with the team for two more seasons and saw a lot of action but never recaptured his 2015 success. Grimm last appeared in the majors in 2018 with Kansas City and Seattle.