The Chicago Cubs are reportedly looking for starting rotation depth options as Spring Training gets underway. MLB Network's Jon Morosi mentioned Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard as names the Cubs are "keeping tabs on."
By bringing in Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga earlier this offseason, it appeared the Cubs would be done in that department. They already seem to have the proper rotation depth in place with young arms Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks. Hayden Wesneski has starting experience starting as well.
But if the Cubs are pursuing outside help, Jake Odorizzi is a hurler who may fit the bill.
A former All-Star, Odorizzi is looking to rebound after missing all of the 2023 season due to a right shoulder injury. He has already pitched off a mound for evaluators from "10 to 12 teams," according to Morosi.
It wouldn't be surprising if the Cubs were among those teams. They take pride in what their pitching lab does, and if they like where Odorizzi is at health-wise, he'd likely be of interest.
Having been a starter for most of his career, Odorizzi could be a low-cost option and potential bounce-back candidate if he were to win a spot in the Cubs starting rotation this spring. He provides a five-pitch mix with a predominant usage of the four-seam fastball.
If the Cubs were to add Odorizzi, his leadership alone could help the many young arms the North Siders currently have.
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