The Cubs obtained 10.5 million dollar club option on Jose Quintana as one more member of their starting rotation. Decision is up to them whether to accept 20 million dollar of Cole Hamels. Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood are in next season and Quintana joins them.
The Rangers are ready to pay Hamels a 6 million dollar buyout if Chicago refuses Hamels’ option. Cubs President of Baseball operations Theo Epstein says that the biggest goal for 2019 season is to have enough pitching. Adding to his statement, he also said that they are all set to understand the game in deep that will help in withstanding the multiple injuries.
[image lightbox=”1″ caption=””]https://www.hiptoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3.3.jpg[/image]
Quintana begins his first full season with Cubs who went 13-11 with a 4.03 ERA in 32 starts. He seems to be the best option for Cubs not only for his career high wins but also for 10.5 million dollar contract, which continues till 2020. Left-handed pitcher, Jerry Vasto from the Royals was the next claim of Cubs and also welcomes Brandon Kintzler who will utilize his 5 million dollar player option. For the next season, Cubs refused to pay 10 million dollar team option for the right hander. Vasto and Kintzler have career 3.48 ERA for nine seasons with Brewers.
[image lightbox=”1″ caption=””]https://www.hiptoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3.2-1.jpg[/image]
Relievers of the Cubs topped ERA in the National League last season, but situation changed wherein different pitchers had to be plugged in to close the games replacing Brandon Morrow who had bone bruise. Everyone’s feel was Kintzler would fill in Morrow’s place. Carl Edwards Jr., Steve Cishek and Brian Duensing are the relievers of Cubs whose contract exists till 2019.
Cubs have to decide by this weekend whether to pick up Pedro Strop for 6.25 million dollar team option.
Source 1: www.mlb.com
Source 2: www.nbcsports.com