Braves may have just handed Cubs lifeline after pitching injuries pile up

Unless you've tuned out of everything related to the Chicago Cubs since April 1, you know that the team's rotation is in dire straits. Cade Horton is lost for the season, Matthew Boyd is out until at least the end of the month, and Justin Steele isn't slated to return to the fold for some time.

In their stead, Colin Rea and Javier Assad have done an admirable job of holding down the fort. But with Jordan Wicks also on the injured list and Ben Brown still working through some inconsistencies as a member of the bullpen, the Cubs' starting pitching depth has all but evaporated by mid-April. Hence, it's no surprise that the team has been connected to free agents like Lucas Giolito as they eye some much-needed reinforcements.

Well, you can add another name to that list: Martin Pérez. The now-former Atlanta Brave threw 14 1/3 efficient innings this year before being designated for assignment, and he immediately becomes one of the best pitchers available.

Martin Pérez wouldn't be a terrible option for the Cubs.

Pérez is far removed from his shocking All-Star campaign in 2022 as the out-of-nowhere ace of the Texas Rangers' pitching staff, but he's a dependable, veteran starter who routinely beats his FIP and expected stats.

The Cubs, as well as the White Sox, Blue Jays, and Astros, were mentioned by name as possible suitors for Pérez, and the Braves would surely love to hang onto him as minor-league depth if he clears waivers. That's unlikely, seeing as so many would-be contenders are navigating injury troubles so early in the season, but the Cubs could execute a deal with Atlanta to skip ahead of the line, so to speak.

Even at 35 years old, he impressed during his limited tenure with the NL East leaders. His 3.14 ERA defies the 11.3% strikeout rate he's managed, but he remains rather exceptional at limiting hard contact and getting hitters to chase outside the zone. Plus, his contact-heavy profile would fit rather seamlessly on a very good defensive Cubs team, even if his fly-ball tendencies may seem a little scary in conjunction with the Wrigley Field wind.

The other options out there also don't inspire much confidence. Giolito is more talented, but his success in Boston last year was mostly a mirage, and he's not ready to go right away after missing spring training. Ditto for both Tyler Anderson and old friend Marcus Stroman.

Acquiring Pérez isn't necessary since Rea and Assad have been so formidable, but he'd be a nice bit of reassurance for a rotation down three of its best pitchers at the moment.

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