Cubs might continue reclamation project haul with latest Twins' bullpen arm cut loose

The Chicago Cubs need pitching. That has been the case since Opening Day, and with recent regressions from Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon, Jed Hoyer and Co. are going to explore any opportunity to add rotation depth. Along those lines, the Minnesota Twins may have just gifted the Cubs with another reclamation project.

The Twins have shuffled parts around in their pitching staff for most of the season, and the latest move was designating Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment. Woods Richardson has largely been used as starting pitcher for the Twins over the last three years, and at times, has looked like he could be a fixture at the bottom of their rotation.

Things took a turn this season, considering he posted an ERA of 7.74 in a tick under 48 innings pitched this season. His struggles this season can be simply explained by the fact that he's not missing bats. Last season, Woods Richardson struck out 22.7% of the hitters he faced in over 111 innings pitched, This season, that mark has dropped to 11.5%. Couple that with an increase in walks, and it's no real surprise that he has struggled this season. Especially because he's not a pitcher who thrives with velocity.

Another flyer for Jed Hoyer to consider

Setting aside his struggles with the Twins this season, Woods Richardson has found success in the past. As a starting pitcher last season, the 25-year-old had an ERA of 3.95 with 104 strikeouts in 107 innings of work. No, it's not Tarik Skubal numbers, but could be a better option for the Cubs than Jordan Wicks.

As a pre-arbitration pitcher, making under $800K this season, teams in need of pitching likely wouldn't avoid him on waivers. The caveat is that he is out of minor-league options, so he would need to stay on the major league roster if he were claimed. He's also under team control through the 2030 season. If the Cubs believe Woods Richardson's struggles this season can easily be fixed on the fly, they almost certainly will place a claim.

I know what you're thinking, is the best the Cubs can do at this point in their season Woods Richardson? Well, yes. Mind you, this is the same team that signed Aaron Bummer to a minor-league deal earlier this week. The big deal is not available to the Cubs, and likely won't be until July. Until then, the Cubs will need to find help wherever they can find it.

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