Chicago Cubs: These three guys need to have a big spring to have a chance

Chicago Cubs: Morrow’s last stand

Brandon Morrow stands to gain the most from a good showing in Spring Training.

The numbers speak for themselves: when Morrow is healthy, he is capable of being one of the best pitchers in any bullpen.

Morrow is a non-roster invite, and the Cubs will have no problem moving on from the right-hander if he is ineffective. Simultaneously, Morrow could immediately assert himself as a crucial late-game reliever.

The 35-year-old got off to a strong start in 2018, posting 22 saves and a 1.47 ERA before the All-Star break. He has not pitched since, as a number of lat and bicep injuries have resurfaced.

However, Cubs president Theo Epstein admitted the team did not handle Morrow’s situation well and, given the number of changes made to Chicago’s staff, perhaps Morrow enters camp the healthiest he has been since joining the Cubs.

Indeed, Morrow has been cautiously optimistic since reporting, and he is back to throwing bullpen sessions:

This might be Morrow’s last chance to prove he can still pitch in the bigs.

Perhaps his body will get the best of him. But if Morrow can put together some quality innings, he might be another valuable piece in a bullpen flooded with question marks.