Chicago Cubs: Early predictions for the starting rotation

The Chicago Cubs starting rotation as of right now seems pretty set 1-4 unless there is a change. What will we see from this group in 2020?

One thing the Chicago Cubs have had for a number of years now is a really good rotation – at least on paper. Unfortunately as a whole they have not lived up to the hype or expectations in recent seasons for various reasons including: injury, age or just not playing to their expected level. Regardless the rotation has been at the very least decent compared to the rest of the league.

Right now (unless an unexpected trade happens) the rotation to start 2020 looks pretty much the same as 2019 minus Cole Hamels, who is now a member of the Atlanta Braves. We still have Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana and Yu Darvish. The fifth spot is what is really up for grabs and still possibly open to make a move this offseason. Current options on the roster as listed on their MLB depth chart include: Tyler Chatwood, Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay and Colin Rea. Spring Training could be the determining factor for that opening week five-guy.

Predicting what a pitcher does can be tricky, especially when they are getting older and the game has changed to such a power-swing offensive style. Right now there are a lot of “if” factors regarding the potential success of the Cubs rotation, but here are some early predictions on how they can perform.