Report: Chicago Cubs, John Lackey agree to two-year deal
By Phil Naegely
The Chicago Cubs have added a seasoned veteran to their staff by reportedly signing John Lackey away from the St. Louis Cardinals.
After making a deep playoff run in the 2015 MLB season, the
have reportedly added another piece to the starting rotation for 2016. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have agreed to a two-year deal with John Lackey, worth somewhere between $32-34 million.
Sources: Lackey in agreement with #Cubs, two years, $32M-$34M, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2015
As long as Lackey passes his pending physical, the deal appears to be done. The move not only brings in another solid arm to the Cubs rotation, but it takes Lackey away from NL Central foes, the St. Louis Cardinals. Lackey is currently 37 years old, so it makes sense for the Cubs to only sign him to a two-year contract.
With the Cardinals in 2015, Lackey pitched 218 innings in 33 games pitched. While going 13-10, Lackey struck out 175 batters and had a 1.21 WHIP and 2.77 ERA, a career-best. Despite being 37 years old, Lackey showed in 2015 he could be a top of the rotation starter and the Cubs commitment is way less risky than the 7-years and 217 million David Price got from the Boston Red Sox.
Unfortunately for the NL Central, Lackey will still be in the division slinging, but in a different uniform. For the Cubs, the investment could pay off big.