Inside The Cubs

Chicago Cubs Would Be Insane Not To Award Wesneski Rotation Spot

The Chicago Cubs entered MLB Spring Training with a decision to make on Hayden Wesneski. But his performance has forced the club's hand as he vies for an Opening Day roster spot.
Kade Kistner|
Chicago Cubs Would Be Insane Not To Award Wesneski Rotation Spot
Chicago Cubs Would Be Insane Not To Award Wesneski Rotation Spot

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When we entered MLB Training just a few weeks ago the questions that surrounded this team had very little to do with the pitching rotation. Sure, Hayden Wesneski's name would pop up here and there, but in the end we always concluded the fifth spot was veteran Adrian Sampson's to lose. 

We were wrong. Happily so.

Wesneski has been so incredible this spring that it would be gross negligence on behalf of the Chicago Cubs to not give Wesneski a chance in the rotation. If the front office and coaching staff are to be believed about wanting to win, then Wesneski offers the best chance of that as current performances stand.

Take Saturday into consideration. The righty threw 4.0 perfect innings of baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers while compiling four strikeouts. 

Wesneski has allowed exactly zero. ZERO earned runs this spring in 8.2 innings pitched. He has 11 strikeouts to go along.

How can you deny a player who has not just risen to the task amid all the pressures of competing for a MLB rotation spot, but has also done so with near perfection?

There is a simple answer: you can't, or at least you shouldn't.

Yes, the argument is toss Wesneski down to Triple-A Iowa and let him continue to "develop" and play the long game and... and... and...

It all sounds really nice coming from people who don't want to be "wrong."

Give the 25-year-old the roster spot. Let him join the rotation. Take the risk.

The Cubs are in the business of winning games and subsequently championships. 

Call the kid up.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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