With Donn Roach the latest Chicago Cubs pitcher to flop against St. Louis, talks of adding starting pitching depth are growing more serious by the minute. As Chicago attempts to maintain their goal of entering postseason contention, several starting pitchers have entered the Cubs executives’ minds. New York’s Jonathon Niese, one of several available trade chips for the Mets, could move to either Los Angeles or Chicago within the next week. Many speculate, however, that Niese may be too subpar . Is he?
Who is Niese?
The 28-year old southpaw hails from Lima, Ohio, and didn’t play college ball. He’s not known for digging deep into games — his career high for innings in a season is 190.1. With a career WHIP of 1.37, he’s slightly above league average, although this year he’s above 1.50. Niese doesn’t bring an overpowering arm, nor does he bring an exceptional ERA (career average is 3.89). To put it bluntly, he’s an average pitcher sufficient enough for #3 honors, but would slot in better at #4.
Why Target Niese?
His $7 million salary has zero merit, considering he’s an abysmal 3-7 in 2015. Theo Epstein knows he’ll give up less for Niese’s services, meaning someone of little use — like CJ Edwards or Mike Baxter — could move without costing much more than future draft picks to boot. Niese would immediately fill Wada’s shoes without eating too much cap space, thereby leaving enough room to pursue Kazmir, maybe even shoot for Hamels.
Chicago Cubs execs may demand top-tier pitching , which could put the focus on Oakland or Milwaukee.
Trade, or Pass?
Longstanding fans watching the new Chicago Cubs would probably want two of Niese, or one great starter. Jon Lester still hasn’t come around, and Hendricks lost his 2014 mojo. According to reports, something will eventually happen between Chicago and New York, just maybe not today. Putting together all tangibles and looking towards September races, I’d say Chicago Cubs execs will shop for something better.
His age and Chicago Cubs pitcher coaching could benefit future stability of an average rotation, although putting Niese in Chicago could be disastrous.
With MLB’s coveted trade deadline swiftly approaching, Chicago will be buying someone’s services with a preference given to those offering team control into 2016. As more landmark trades come and go, each move Theo & Co. make will be judged heavily by Cubs fans. Let’s pray he’ll make the right decision and pass on Niese in lieu of someone that could offer leadership and higher inning counts — like Cole Hamels.
[Photo by Dilip Vishwanat /Getty Images Sport]
