Suddenly a young SP made available
For the past two years (it seems like) the Cubs have rumored to be trying to add a young, controllable starting pitcher. Names such as Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Jake Odorizzi, and the likes have been thrown around here and there, in December and in May. I think even living creatures up on Mars (I kid, maybe) have heard these rumors.
Well, after last night’s latest Yordano Ventura incident (you can check out the links to all his other “incidents”, too, and a nice opinion piece on what MLB should do with him) SB Nation is reporting the Royals are trying to trade the young righty.
Royals have reportedly tried to trade Yordano Ventura, as our @MikeBatesSBN writes: https://t.co/RYXdCJO7HX
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 8, 2016
Ventura just turned 25 years old and is (at least right now) in his third full season in the majors. You would need two hands to count how many brawls/scuffles/etc. Ventura has caused while on the mound. It’s a shame, considering how good he has shown he could be.
Putting the brawls aside, let’s look at his stats:
In 2014, the Dominican Republic-native started 30 games to the tune of a 3.20 ERA in 183 innings. Also sporting a 1.295 WHIP and a 2.30 K:BB ratio, Ventura finished sixth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2015, the righty had a similar year from a more-sabermetric standpoint. In 163.1 innings of work, he (barely) lowered his FIP from a year ago to 3.57, despite his ERA rising to 4.08. He also struck out 8.6 per 9 innings while lowering his walk rate minimally.
In 2016, he’s cooled off a decent amount (stats-wise). His FIP has sky-rocketed to 5.29 with a walk rate nearing 5. He has started 12 games this season.
After 2016, he still is owed $21 million over the next three seasons. If I’m being honest, I believe if Ventura gets on a team with a solid foundation he will tone it down a bit. It’s a little tricky to gauge what a package would look like because maybe the Royals would take a cheaper return with the latest antics…or maybe they still like just enough to value him what he should have been after his first two major league seasons.
So, if we take everything into consideration – stats, his reputation for starting brawls, and his contract – what do you think? Should the Cubs (or White Sox) at least inquire (which I’m sure they might have already)? Would you want them to?
*Featured image is courtesy of The Sporting News
