Chicago Cubs: Three underrated players to watch in 2021 spring training

We know that Kyle Hendricks is going to be the ace of the Chicago Cubs staff in 2021 after trading away Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres. It was one of the biggest trades made between two teams this offseason. The Cubs sent away a player that came in second place for the National League Cy Young but they got some players back in return. Of course, people want to know about the prospects but Zach Davies is going to be able to help them right now.

He is 28 years old and still a good pitcher. He had a really good year for San Diego in 2020 as they were one of the best teams in the league. With all of the acquisitions San Diego has made on the mound this offseason, there was just not enough room for Davies. When you don’t have enough room for a Zach Davies, you probably have a really good rotation.

He had an ERA of 2.73, a WHIP of 1.067, 63 strikeouts, and a record of 7-4. All of this accumulated a 1.7 WAR which is really good for a 60 game season. If he brings that level of production to the Cubs, he will be the number two guy behind Hendricks. 2021 was also his first year with the Padres as he spent the first five years of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. After all that time with the Brew Crew, you would have to think he is comfortable facing the rest of the NL Central.

All of these players are underrated in the grand scheme of things but they are all very capable of helping this team win. Hopefully, they reach their potential otherwise the Cubs’ depth might be tested as the season goes along.