Anderson’s deal is incentive-laden, with the possibility of reaching $10 million if he can pitch deep into the season. As is the case with most incentive-driven deals, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a low risk/high reward situation.
That, of course, being because of health concerns. After having back surgery, Anderson only managed to make three starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. The Cubs were quite impressed with what they saw from the lefty recently, but if things don’t work out as planned, Anderson will only be owed $3.5 million.
Mike Montgomery seems to be the favorite thus far, but I wouldn’t be too sure of that just yet.