5 starting pitchers the Cubs probably regret not signing in the offseason

The Chicago Cubs starting rotation has been strong at the top, with Justin Steel, Marcus Stroman, and Drew Smyly all churning out excellent innings in the first 7 weeks.

But there have been serious causes for worry about the other two rotation spots. Hayden Wesneski won the fifth starter role after an impressive Spring Training, but his inconsistent performances and an alarming amount of blow-up outings resulted in a Triple-A demotion a couple of weeks ago. Free agent acquisition Jameson Taillon looked like he was starting to find his groove in April until he landed on the injured list with a groin strain. Since coming back, he has failed to go five innings in each of his four starts in May.

It is unfortunate that the Cubs are paying Taillon $14 million this year, which is tied for second most on the team with Dansby Swanson, and he has yet to earn that money. Especially when there was a multitude of starting pitching free agents last offseason that are performing better than him. Here are five starters that the Chicago Cubs probably regret not signing in the offseason.

1. Nathan Eovaldi

Although the start to his career in Texas was a bit shaky, Nathan Eovaldi has settled in nicely to anchor the Rangers' rotation. Since April 18th, Eovaldi has turned in 6 straight quality starts including a complete game shutout against the New York Yankees on April 29th. The flame-throwing right-hander is averaging about 1 strikeout per inning pitched and he has surrendered just 10 walks in 60 innings.

Eovaldi's ability to go long in games this year would be most welcome in this Cubs team, which seems to always have a tired bullpen with Taillon not eating enough innings and the other starters rarely surpassing 6. With just a two-year deal worth $34 million, Texas seems to have gotten a bargain for the former World Series champion.