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@JonHeyman
on Cubs' offseason: "I can see Max Fried as a guy that would really help them a lot. That would be a big one, if they could get him. That may be worth 5 games. You can do it through the pitching. Their positional players look solid."
If you do a little exercise and just substitute Fried’s 2024 innings and earned runs while removing Hendricks’ innings and earned runs, Cubs move from #10 in MLB ERA to #3 in MLB. Takes you from 3.79 to 3.53. The best team ERA in majors was 3.49. So, 3.53 would be very near to best ERA in baseball.
Of course, 2025 is a whole new deal from 2024 and 2024 Cubs pitchers had benefit of Wrigley playing as a pitchers park. Cubs had dramatically better ERA at home than on road—especially Assad and Taillon. 2025 at Wrigley likely will be different in some ways.
Still, would be makings of a very nice rotation with Fried, Steele, Imanaga in top three slots.