3 free agents the Cubs can turn to after devastating Michael Soroka injury

It was a deflating Chicago Cubs' debut for Michael Soroka, who was forced to leave Monday's game after only two innings of work because of shoulder discomfort. The Cubs have already placed Soroka on the IL, and it remains to be seen when the Cubs will see their deadline addition pitch at the Major League level again.

Help is on the way for the Cubs' pitching staff as Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad are expected to be ready to return from injury in the coming weeks. That being said, we can't overlook that the Cubs had a need ahead of the MLB trade deadline for a starting pitcher, even knowing Taillon and Assad were on their way back, and opted for Soroka being the answer.

In other words, Jed Hoyer shouldn't be given the benefit of pointing to Taillon and Assad as the reason why the Cubs aren't concerned about their pitching depth--that simply wouldn't be true based on their own actions.

If the Cubs turn to the free-agent market to add some pitching reinforcements, there are some familiar names available.

These 3 free agent pitchers suddenly make sense after Soroka injury blow

Marcus Stroman

Cubs fans may not realize how awkward the breakup was between Marcus Stroman and the Cubs. While there was never confirmation, the belief was that Stroman had a falling out with the Cubs' front office, and in turn, the Cubs' front office wasn't mad that he opted out of his deal. Stroman hasn't been great in the year since his time with the Cubs, and if Soroka were healthy, it didn't make sense for the Cubs to go back to this well. Now, it may be worth the gamble for the Cubs, hoping they can count on Stroman to simply get them through five innings each time he takes the mound.

Rich Hill

After returning to the Major League level with the Kansas City Royals, Rich Hill is once again a free agent. In the vein of the Cubs looking for a starting pitcher who can get them through five innings before turning the game over to their bullpen, Hill would be an ideal target.

Kenta Maeda

It wasn't the greatest of runs for Kenta Maeda during his time with the Iowa Cubs this season, posting an ERA of 5.97 in 57 1/3 innings pitched, but over his last 7 starts, he had an ERA of 3.70 while routinely getting through the sixth inning, Maeda opted out of his deal with the Cubs earlier this week, and signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees, but the Yankees likey wouldn't stand in the way of his Major League opportunity with the Cubs.

To be clear, none of these options are ideal, but that is the situation Jed Hoyer created for himself, considering the move he avoided at last week's deadline.

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