Cole Hamels is all but guaranteed to move on from the Chicago Cubs after a successful year-and-a-half run with the club, leaving a hole in the back of the starting rotation. It’s not a question that’ll last just next season, either. Age is becoming an increasingly dominant concern when it comes to the starting rotation.
Jon Lester, the longtime anchor in the staff, may be entering his final year with the club. Coming off a 4.46 ERA, 1.497 WHIP and league-worst 205 hits allowed in 31 starts, the left-hander needs to hit at least 200 innings for his 2021 option to vest.