Cubs Take Risk with Soroka: Injury Reveals Failed Gamble on the Mound

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs acknowledged the risk in acquiring pitcher Mike Soroka, whose velocity had decreased in his last appearances with the Washington Nationals before the trade. On Monday, Soroka exited his first start with the Cubs due to shoulder discomfort, which landed him on the injured list.

We knew the speed was decreasing. We analyzed this extensively. Given the market situation and the asking price, we felt it was a bet worth taking. Right now, it doesn’t seem like a good bet.
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations

Hoyer explained that the team tried to sign Soroka in the offseason, as they see potential in the right-handed pitcher, whose career has been affected by injuries. This season, Soroka had a 3-8 record with a 4.87 ERA for the Nationals, although some of his expected statistics were better than the actual ones. The 2 mph decrease in his fastball generated concern, leading Soroka to undergo an MRI before his last start with the Nationals.

For my peace of mind, we decided to verify that and there was nothing that indicated a problem at that time.
Mike Soroka

The Cubs were unwilling to pay the high prices for many of the pitchers who changed teams, but they felt Soroka was worth the risk at a reduced cost. They acquired him in exchange for two prospects: Triple-A outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cru, neither of whom is considered elite.

That risk profile was known. We invested a lot of time in that. We did a lot of due diligence, a lot of research, and if it doesn’t work, it’s my responsibility.
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations

The Cubs have had difficulty completing their rotation this season, after losing left-hander Justin Steele to a season-ending elbow injury, Shota Imanaga for more than a month due to a hamstring injury, and right-hander Jameson Taillon due to a calf problem. The latter is working to return to the Major Leagues, as is Javier Assad, who has not pitched this season due to an oblique injury. The team could turn to right-handed Ben Brown to fill that spot in the rotation until help arrives. Brown replaced Soroka on Monday. The Cubs hope Soroka isn’t out for the whole year; he’s likely to pitch from the bullpen if he can return before the end of the regular season. Meanwhile, Chicago has to deal with the idea that they traded two prospects for a pitcher who might only give them two innings during a championship run.