Patience could help the Chicago Cubs grab these 5 pitchers in free agency

Chicago Cubs: Worth waiting to spend big bucks on – #5: Mike Clevinger

Currently down for the 2021 campaign due to Tommy John surgery last year, Mike Clevinger has been an absolute beast in his career. In 2016, he made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians (Guardians?) and pitched 53 innings, going 3-3 with a 5.26 ERA. Since then, his ERA has been at least two full points lower every year.

Looking at his numbers in 2017, he posted a 12-6 record in his sophomore campaign in 121 frames and 3.11 ERA to go along with a 3.85 FIP and 3.0 WAR. 2018, his numbers continued to get better as he pitched 200 innings even that season with a 3.02 and 13-8 record. His FIP dropped further to 3.52 while striking out 207 batters on the season.

2019, Clevinger continued his dominance, posting a 2.71 ERA and an even lower FIP of 2.49. It’s not everyday you see a FIP lower than your actual ERA. He went 13-4 that year. 2020, Clevinger wound up getting hurt in October which led to the Tommy John surgery he is currently recovering from.

Once healthy, it’s hopefully safe to say Clevinger will return to his former self and make hitters look silly in the process. He will reach unrestricted free agency after next season and is absolutely someone to keep an eye on next years. If the Cubs do what they need to, he could be one of those final pieces to add to the rotation in a “go for it” year.