Chicago Cubs: 3 trade targets if the team decides to be buyers

Chicago Cubs: Will Detroit finally deal Matthew Boyd?

Detroit Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd was terrific in April, posting a 2.27 ERA in his first six starts. He got off to a strong start in May, as well, hurling six scoreless innings on May 11 against the Kansas City Royals.

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Interestingly, a May 16 start against the Cubs marked the start of a rough stretch for Boyd. The 30-year-old has given up 18 runs in 20 2/3 innings over the course of his last four starts, including five homers.

Still, there are reasons to like Boyd. Despite ranking in the 21st percentile in strikeout rate, Boyd ranks in the 84th percentile in chase rate and has had more success inducing soft contact and commanding the zone.

A few considerations must be made in a hypothetical pursuit of Boyd. The first is he is already making $6.5 million this season and should see a rise in salary next year, his final year of arbitration eligibility. It’s not an overwhelming figure, but still a gamble for the Cubs when considering Boyd’s spotty track record.

Additionally, it should be noted Boyd’s ground-ball rate is below 40 percent and he makes a lot of starts at pitcher-friendly Comerica Park. Would his success translate to Wrigley Field, or would he revert back to past issues with the long ball?

These are certainly things to grapple with for the Cubs if the express interest in Boyd.