Chicago Cubs: 3 free agents who could still give the team a boost

Pitcher Taijuan Walker

I don’t get it. No, I really just don’t get it. How is this guy still available? Taijaun Walker is still only 27-years-old and his numbers have been pretty good. The right-hander started 2020 with Seattle where he wound up with a 2-2 record and a 4.00 ERA. It was when he was dealt to the Blue Jays that Walker took off. With Toronto, Walker went 2-1 with an impressive 1.37 ERA.

It’s when you take a closer look at Walker’s numbers that you realize he’s not a number one, two, or even three in most rotations. With Toronto, Walker made six starts and averaged less than five innings per start, although one of those starts was very short. His first two outings were good, with wins over the Orioles and the Red Sox, but his third start was the stuff of nightmares. Walker lasted less than two innings versus the Yankees, allowing seven runs (only one earned) on six hits. That was his only poor start for Toronto.

The bottom line with Walker is after missing most of 2017 & 2018 following Tommy John surgery, the guy has been better than average. While Adbert Adzolay and Brailyn Marquez may turn out to be a good bottom of the rotation starters in 2021, Walker would give the Cubs someone capable of giving them five-to-six good innings more often than not.