Chicago Cubs Will Greatly Miss LHP Travis Wood

Travis Wood proved to be a reliable left-handed option out of the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen over the past few seasons. Now he’ll be taking his talents to Kansas City, and the Cubs will certainly miss his production.

The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen will be missing a key piece in 2017. Earlier on Tuesday, Travis Wood agreed to a two-year $12 million dollar contract with the Royals. In Kansas City, Wood will get the chance to compete for a starting spot in their rotation. Unfortunately, the Cubs were not willing to give Wood that same opportunity, and that’s why he’s elsewhere today.

Travis Wood’s consistent production over the years will surely be missed by the defending champs. He initially broke out into the big leagues as a promising young starter for the Cincinnati Reds back in 2010.

Then, traded to the Cubs two years later, Wood enjoyed his best season as a starter in 2013 when he was named an All-Star. That season saw Wood post a career-low 3.11 ERA in 32 starts. He even proved his durability that season, pitching 200 innings for the first time.

Unfortunately, Wood’s career as a reliable starter took a turn for the worst the following season. In 2014, Wood posted a 5.03 ERA in 31 starts with the Cubs.

When Joe Maddon took over the team in 2015, he converted Wood into a dependable reliever for the upstart Cubs. Wood bounced back from his rough times as a starter, and would go on to be one of Maddon’s most-trusted relievers over the past two seasons before departing.

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It’s been no secret that the Cubs have mistrusted many of their bullpen arms thanks to Maddon’s managerial style. That mistrust was on full display throughout the 2016 postseason. Still, Wood was one of the few relievers besides closer Aroldis Chapman who were called upon to get crucial outs.

Wood’s absence will be felt throughout the organization. The Cubs currently have few reliable left-handed relievers to work with.

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Mike Montgomery, who was very dependable as a left-handed reliever, is now a converted starter. Newly acquired starter Brett Anderson can be an intriguing left-handed option out of the bullpen if needed, but he’s faced durability concerns over the years. Rob Zastryzny pitched solid as a rookie in 2016, but is still largely unproven.

The departure of Travis Wood ultimately boils down to him wanting a chance be a reliable starter again. He knew that opportunity wasn’t coming from the Cubs. If the Cubs had it their way, Wood would be headed to spring training like the rest of his teammates as a reliever. Unfortunately, Travis Wood had other plans in mind.

While proving to be a reliable reliever for the Cubs, Wood was more than just that. He was a terrific athlete for a pitcher, being able to play in the outfield for Maddon late in games. Wood was also a very good hitter for the Cubs, hitting eight career home-runs, including one in the 2016 postseason.

Like many of his “now” former Cub teammates, Wood was willing to do anything to contribute to the team’s success. He served as a veteran role-model throughout the club house. He was also an entertaining guy in the bullpen, getting along with everyone.

For a player who has dealt with plenty of highs and lows throughout his career, Wood has displayed his immense resiliency. He’s never let his previous struggles define his career. Instead, he has only improved his game over the past few seasons, despite his lack of a high 90’s fastball.

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Travis Wood’s impact won’t ever be forgotten. But for the Chicago Cubs, they know they must now move on without him. It won’t be easy, but nothing is when you’re trying to repeat as champs.