Chicago Cubs: 3 pitching targets after the Eduardo Rodriguez signing

Chicago Cubs: A power sinker-baller, Steven Matz should be a free agent target

If you’re not sold on the Cubs going after someone who’s tied to draft pick compensation via the qualifying offer such as Gray, then someone like Steven Matz might be more to your taste.

I talked specifically about Matz last week after his teammate Robbie Ray was offered (and turned down) the qualifying offer from the Blue Jays. He works off his mid-90s sinker and a change-up/curveball mix, depending on who’s in the box – and really re-established himself this season with Toronto.

One year removed from a winless campaign in which he posted an ERA pushing 10.00, Matz found his form north of the border, winning 14 games with a 1.33 WHIP – which is right in line with what he’s done in his big league career.

Matz really turned it on in the second half as the Jays tried to make a postseason push, making 14 starts with a 2.91 ERA. He’s got October experience from his time with the Mets – and is no stranger to large markets – adding him to the mix in Chicago would give the Cubs a big presence from the left side and the velocity, paired with his sinker, could be a recipe for success.