The Chicago Cubs want pitching and they don’t want to pay a lot for it or commit to long-term deals. That puts them in a bit of a tough spot when it comes to adding the pitching depth they claim to be targeting this offseason
However, the front office has become known for its ability to pick up reclamation projects– especially pitchers– and rebuild them into viable major league assets.
One such project could be on the free agent market and bursting with “underdog redemption” possibilities.
Kyle Hart, A Player In Search Of Redemption
Left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart came into his own at Indiana University, where he showcased his high-end pitching prowess. In his final season, he achieved a commendable 10-4 record with a 3.29 ERA, capturing the attention of MLB scouts. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, setting the stage for his professional career.
Throughout seven seasons in the Red Sox’s minor league system, Hart demonstrated resilience and consistency. He accumulated a 42-47 win-loss record and maintained a 3.72 ERA over 143 appearances, 119 of which were starts.
Hart’s perseverance and growth culminated in a major league debut with the Boston Red Sox during the 2020 season. He appeared in four games, starting three, but collapsed totally, posting a 15.55 ERA over 11 innings pitched. This cup of coffee in the bigs was so disastrous that it, pretty much literally, ruined him. For all intents and purposes, he gave off the vibe of being done at the major league level.
Kyle Hart’s Road Back
Seeking to revitalize his career, Hart went to play in the Korean Baseball Organization, joining the NC Dinos. This move proved beneficial, as he delivered impressive performances on the mound. Last season, he posted a 2.69 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over 26 starts and became somewhat of a foreign sensation on the Korean baseball scene.
Now, Hart is looking to parlay that overseas success into a second run in the major leagues.
According to reports, the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers have shown interest in possibly signing the 32-year-old southpaw.
Could He Fit Into The Chicago Cubs?
The Cubs might do well to join that list of interested parties as he could deliver that right blend of main stage talent at a relatively low price. On the surface, signing him is the type of low-risk/high-reward proposition that has appealed to president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer in the past and it would definitely add the much-talked about pitching depth reportedly targeted by Chicago this offseason.
Realistically, Hart would probably be slotted into long-relief duty on the Cubs, eating innings and keeping the team close over the long haul when a starter has to leave a game early. He’d also serve as a spot starter and an emergency rotation piece in case of injury or other necessity.
At the very least, the Cubs should kick the tires on signing Kyle Hart. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time an American player went overseas before finding himself and coming back home.
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