Chicago Cubs: Early predictions for the starting rotation

Chicago Cubs: ‘Boo’ turn to ‘Yu’ among the Wrigley faithful

One thing is for certain, Yu Darvish is incredibly talented. A lot went wrong in 2018 and 2019 did not get off to a great start either. But Darvish reminded everyone why the Cubs game him a six-year, $126 million deal in 2019.

Darvish put up a 2.76 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 118 K, 7 BB, and .199/.228/.384 slash against in 13 starts in the second half. His 2.8 BB/9 on the season was after walking 49 batters in his first 97 innings on the year.

Also worth noting his ERA and WHIP in his 16 road starts in 2019 was 3.09 and 1.01. One could say “the second half was flukey,” but the man came to the Cubs with a career 3.42 ERA, 3.30 FIP and 11.0 K/9 in 131 starts. His resume is that of an All-Star hurler.

The slow start in 2019 could be attributed to the fact that he was returning from the 2018 injuries and was not going to be 100 percent. He also has settled in well as a Cub the past year and has seemingly put the demons of the 2017 World Series behind him for good. If he is healthy and locked in, we can expect some good things from Mr. Darvish.

2020 Prediction: 3.66 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 1.2 WHIP, 227 K, 64 BB, 31 starts, 186 innings