On Wednesday, February 14, the Chicago Cubs begin their Spring Training, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Mesa, Arizona. Even though baseball is just getting started, the Cubs are constantly striving to get better. Sure, the Cubs seem to be considering a few additional names in addition to Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and Cody Bellinger.
The Cubs are one of five clubs reportedly interested in depth players for the starting rotation, according to Jon Morosi. There may be more clubs involved even though the Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and Tampa Bay Rays are the ones that have been mentioned. The two names that are being watched in this particular report are Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard.
Last season, Syndergaard played for both the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The large right-hander was claimed by Cleveland along with left-hander Matt Moore and right-hander Lucas Giolito after the Dodgers dismissed him before the new waiver deadline. Syndergaard had a 6.50 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 18 starts. Still, Syndergaard was limited to 88.2 innings pitched. After a fast start with the New York Mets, injuries have been the big righty’s career trend. His durability is an issue, but he would be an interesting addition.
Lorenzen, on the other hand, just returned from his 2023 All-Star participation. Lorenzen was moved to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline following a 3.58 ERA season that he had pitched to with the Detroit Tigers.
With his versatility to swing both in and out of the bullpen, Lorenzen is perhaps the more desired addition for the Cubs. Furthermore, Lorenzen caught the attention of the Cubs before the 2022 campaign. After joining the Los Angeles Angels, he wanted to pitch and bat, but Shohei Ohtani’s presence prevented him from doing so.
Either way, the Cubs will be keeping an eye on these two names come Spring Training. Despite the fans’ desire for Cody Bellinger to stay in Cubbie Blue, the front administration may soon sign another pitcher.
