September 26: Armstrong has been released, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com.
September 20: The Cubs announced that they have activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day injured list, with fellow righty Shawn Armstrong designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic was among those to relay the moves on X.
Armstrong, 34, only joined the club three weeks ago. His results in a small sample of appearances since then have been fine and this move says more about the club than about him. He was claimed off waivers from the Cardinals at the end of August when the Cubs were within five games of a playoff spot with a month left to go. Now they’re seven games back with just over a week remaining on the schedule.
The veteran righty is an impending free agent, so the Cubs have little use for him now as they play out the string on this season. They will put him on waivers in the coming days. He wouldn’t be postseason eligible with any claiming club, so there’s little incentive for one still in contention to put in a claim as they would have to take on the remainder of his $2.05MM salary. That would be less than $100K by the time the waiver process plays out but the club would also only receive about a week of Armstrong’s services in exchange.
Armstrong has already pitched for three teams this year, tossing 66 2/3 innings between the Rays, Cardinals and Cubs. His 4.86 earned run average isn’t terribly impressive but his other numbers paint a nicer picture. His 22.4% strikeout rate and 8.5% walk rate are both fairly close to league average. His .362 batting average on balls in play seems to be hurting him, which is why his 3.58 FIP and 3.95 SIERA are significantly better than his ERA.
The Rays got good results out of Armstrong in the previous two seasons. He tossed 55 innings for them in 2022 with a 3.60 ERA. Last year, he gave the Rays 52 innings with a tiny ERA of 1.38. That number is surely a little misleading, as his .250 BABIP and 80.9% strand rate helped him out, but he did post a 26.1% strikeout rate and 5.3% walk rate.
This year, as mentioned, his ERA hasn’t been as strong. But the Cardinals evidently believed in the under-the-hood numbers, as they sent two-plus years of Dylan Carlson to the Rays in order to get Armstrong prior to the deadline. Just a few weeks into August, they had slid enough in the standings that they put Armstrong on waivers and saved a bit of money by having the Cubs claim him.
If Armstrong goes unclaimed in the coming days, he has enough service time to reject an outright assignment and keep what’s left of this year’s salary, so perhaps he will get his offseason started a few days ahead of schedule. That is unless some team in a tight playoff race will be interested in snagging him off the wire for the final week of the season.
An amazing 2023 turns to a terrible 2024.
Bad ERA for the Rays, good for the Cardinals, bad for the Cubs. You never know what might happen in small sample sizes.
With the Cubs even if he put up zeroes it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. More like a walk, Hit, Then a rocket right at somebody. Cubs have enough quality arms that they don’t really need him. He’s not really a difference maker.
Uncle, slow yourself down—-you’re setting yourself up—again. Agree that “they don’t really need him.”
But disagree that the “have enough quality arms.”
Rewind exactly one year when they had: Leiter Jr, Alzolay, Merryweather, Assad, Wicks, Wesneski, Thompson, Palencia, Little…….
All you are doing is pulling some out and putting in guys like Miller, Lopez, and Hodge.
The “quality” really hasn’t changed much at all–just the names have.
And those guys that are supposed to be coming like Brown and Horton are still coming.
The bullpen this year had “quality” arms but took and immediate nosedive with Merryweather’s injury, Alzolay’s early season inablility, Neris’ role change and much much more.
There is never such a thing as enough quality arms. I just don’t want you to be typing the same stuff next September (or June). I got your back.
Enough quality arms? I’m not sold on that belief just yet. Sure, there’s arms and some are intriguing. Cubs’ fans witnessed that the past couple of seasons with the almost routine call ups and downs. A majority has been due to injury. That appears to be why some guys can’t settle in and begin the process of establishing themselves. But there’s also the lack of throwing strikes and getting outs. I guess we’ll see what 2025 brings.
And to the quality arms thing—Wicks on the IL again. Three times in a season does not bode well to getting to “enough” quality arms.
Yeah, one or even two SPs, probably should be at the top of the Cubs shopping list, this offseason. Along with one very reliable RP.
Agree Dog—need to get that rotation, which has been very, very good to the spot where Taillon is the #5 guy much like Jason Hammel was in 16. That means adding for sure.
Bad part is the year has gone by and have no real idea where guys like Wicks, Brown, to an extent Horton are……same for Wesneski, Kilian, and others…..
Due to injuries six months of non-development and assessment.
I’d invite anybody who DOESN’T think the Cubs have enough quality arms to watch a few Farm System games and then tell me they don’t. Until then trust me , They do. Shota, Steele and Tallion are an above average top 3. I still say Assad should be the long man because he simply throws too many pitches. Let him throw 3 innings and 75 pitches probably and let him rest for a couple of days. Wicks, Brown, Horton, Killian, Birdsell, Noland and there was talk that Pearson might want to be a starter when they got him. Not sure if that’s what the Cubs want but intriguing anyway. As for Miller and Lopez, Miller has dropped his arm angle down from when he was here and improved his control and Lopez has been very good here they deserve another chance. Alzolay and Almonte are probably long shots for 2025 But there’s still plenty to go with Merrywather, Hodge, Little, Palencia, Arias, Scalzo, Plus Jed always seems to find some crumbs along the way. This has been a .500 team for 2 years, Time for the New and out with the old.
Success while pitching in Farm System Games is nice. That ultimately means nothing until a pitcher with a quality arm can demonstrate success at the major league level.
Wicks just seems to be a victim of his own youth. He wants to pitch so bad he’s not letting himself heal all the way. None of the pitching injuries seem long term except Brown? I’d feel better if they knew what was wrong with him because he could be the most valuable piece to start or relieve. Cubs just need a solid LH bullpen arm who can close. Why I keep bringing up Tanner Scott. The Cubs can’t go into another season without a plan B closer. You cannot put all your faith in Hodge no matter how good he’s been.They need a PROVEN closer who can fill more than one role. Pay Scott as a closer and he’d come I bet. If nothing else he could be a valuable teacher for Hodge, Arias, Little, Palencia or whoever is the future there. Surely even Hoyer can see that.
Uncle—please get out of your own way…
Fact is if the Cubs had to designate Shawn Armstrong today, which means they used Shawn Armstrong yesterday—qualifies as proof that they don’t have enough quality arms.
There is NOTHING certain or even the mildly positive as of today that we have seen enough from Wicks, Brown, Horton, Arias, Little, Palencia or Hodge to be comfortable in numbers. Hodge is not an iota different than what Alzolay was at this point last summer.
Quit jamming us watch the farm system down our throats—you are the one who continually touted that the best arm in the minors was Thomas Pannone and he’s still not leading the Yankees to the World Series. But, he has pitched ONE game in the majors since 2019.
Minor leaguers are nothing more than prospects.
And yes, Miller and Lopez deserve chances and did well—–but you are just putting eggs in a basket.
I love the passion and agree a real closer would be great—but what makes Tanner Scott that guy—and at what cost??
There is talent. There are arms. But nowhere near enough of either.
And winning 82-83 games in back to back years seems to side with NOT enough.
Wake up. The reason they haven’t brought up most of those arms is because there isn’t enough season left to make it worthwhile and they need to bring up guys like Lopez and Wesneski for the end of the season. Has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with ability. When you’re done don’t forget to wipe.
You’re still the best–but here is what I am saying–pretend you are reading this in crayon:
To ME the Cubs have used THIRTY pitchers this season—to ME that means guys like Hodge, Palencia, Wicks, Brown, Wesneski, Pearson, Merryweather, Almonte, etc, etc, etc represent much more QUANTITY than QUALITY.
If Birdsell, Arias, Scalzo were ANYWHERE need ready or at the quality level you have them at, there is no way the Cubs would be grabbing and pitching guys like Wingenter and Armstrong when they were theorically still in a playoff hunt.
Your initial statement to Dras way back is that they have enough quality arms. I disagree and use the state and record of the team as my platform.
It’s fine to disagree if you wish but I’m hedging to them seaching for more pitching in two weeks and not settling with the quality they have now.
I will be glad to admit I am wrong if the roster stays the same on March 20 in Japan.
You still don’t get it and never will. This team has no identity. You only get an identity from a leader who has a vision. Right now you have a team that’s great defensively. That’s great. But if you’re going to win like that you better have a knockout bullpen and solid starting pitching. Right now you have a so-so offense, So-so bullpen and so-so starters. the pitching has future promise. The offense if it stays the same next will be the same as it’s been the last 2 years. So-so. I don’t really care if this team decides to be the Tax Team or the Dodgers. They certainly have the resources to be either. But what it doesn’t have is a baseball man with a clear vision of what it wants to be one way or the other. And in the end that’s what it needs.So pretend this is written in crayon and read it yourself. Have a good one. Right now this is the Bulls for the last 3 years trotting out the same crap hoping it all works out.
Drascoo-I would have zero problem if the Cubs went out and spent money on pitching this off season. It seems like we’re doomed to watching the same group of position players due to their contracts. If Bellinger stays then really all you have to spend is the 27 million you save on Hendricks and Smyly and that’s not getting you Burnes and a Closer. Love the premise but it’s not really practical. Now f Bellinger walks you have 55 million plus the money that walks( Dead money), Minus Nico’s raise. Haven’t looked yet what that is. To get what you want you might have to trade Nico which I don’t think anybody really wants. But the idea is well thought out and I like it. Just don’t think it works unless Ricketts decides to up the payroll.
Uncle–please let me be clear as I really do respect you and agree with a good portion of your stuff. And I really DO agree with you on this topic—I just think we have a different definition of “quality”.
I really do like the Cubs pitching depth but both this season and last proves that there really isn’t enough. We both can rattle off 18-20 names of somewhat viable major league names…but look at where this lands them in the standings.
You said they have “so-so” starters and “so-so” relievers.
To ME (and only me) “so so” is NOT quality—OR not quality enough. I just don’t the “so so” cuts it for me–but we DO have the same premise (I think).
To me–for every Keegan Thompson I can find you a Neil Ramirez of the past.
For every Almote or Alzolay or Merryweather I can find you a Brandon Morrow or Michael Fullmer.
Hey, as much as the next guy I would love a Corbin Burnes to slot Taillon down to 4/5 and Assad to strengthen the pen. I would love for Wicks and Brown and Horton to be healthy and throw 140-160 innings.
Look at this year—-one of your targets Kyle Hendricks proved in the first month that he was, at best, the #8 starter on this team–and I agree with you. But, when numbers 5, 6, 7 (Wicks, Wesneski, Brown, et al) can’t even be in the same state there is no choice to trot Kyle out there time after time.
Again–we are on the same page—just with a slightly different definition or view of “quality”.
Lets’ get this weekend sweep.
Agreed. As long as Hoyer and Counsell are here, Cubs LOSE. This is the ownerships fault. It isn’t about money it’s about a continuing series of terribly bad decisions.
Last year the Cubs had a stretch vs Pit, Col for 2 weeks that got everyone mistakenly excited, same this year but throw in Miami. They were never in contention this year and continue to plummet. Over rated farm system, poor roster construction and a lot of players who turn it on when the pressure is off. What a waste of the past 8 yrs. Terrible organization and ownership.
Interesting points. Here’s what the highest paid manager in MLB believes.
bleachernation.com/cubs/2024/09/20/craig-counsells…
@jhanley:
I’m not quite sure where your comment of an overrated farm system comes from? I’d love some examples.
If the Cubs hadn’t traded Herz for a month and a half of Candelario – Herz could have sure helped this year. That trade was not smart – Cubs gave up too soon on a MLB near ready SP. I commented here, to that effect, last season when the trade went down.
Facts
Would like to see him on the Braves, Cardinals or Padres next season.
There were fans that actually thought the cubs DFA’d PCA. LMAO.
No that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying they saw the name Armstrong and assumed it was crow-armsteong
It says more about his age (34) than his ability. He’s a FA. If they really want him back they can get him probably but I think there will be much better options than him out there. At least I hope so.
Hey Uncle—-want your opinion—and Drasc also. Let’s play a guessing game…
This week during his “close the gap” press conference Counsell mentioned hard discussions and decisions are going to happen.
Pretty much have to wait on Belli’s decision to start moving too many roster slots around but would like to get a thread of predictions going:
I’m guessing Willie is gone by Monday evening and Hottovy may be also. (not wishing it upon Hottovy but it’s been a year for Counsell to work with guys that were here before him). I think Counsell is going to surround himself with “his” guys.
Players guesses (hopes) soon….but I think we had a pretty good list of potential guys that can come off the 40 man roster—which is actually 47 right now with the 60 day DL guys.
Unfortunately I think Hottovy might be a casualty. I’m just guessing but I’m pretty sure Counsell wanted some of his coaches to come with him but they all still had 1 year left on their contracts. So after this year they’ll be FA’s. I think the reason CC didn’t get rid of Hottovy and hire somebody else is he was waiting to see what happens in Milwaukee. Will they stay with Murphy? Do they want to follow Counsell? probably more money here I’m thinking? I think Counsell is way too smart to jump first so this press conference is gonna mean squat until the Brewers season is over. And I’m also guessing that the decisions on players won’t be made this fast. But we all know the miserable dregs we want to see gone, But that could also depend on what Ricketts does with the FO. I’d be more interested in hearing about THAT than players or coaches right now. I think It’s time for Ricketts to step up and decide what he wants and what he sees than Counsell. I would actuall like to see Hottovy get a shot at Managing the W.Sox if he gets fired. We know they need a 1st year type MGR because nobody else wants the job and the only thing they have going for them is good young Pitchers and Hottovy is a very good pitching coach IMO.
Former White Sox Willie Harris for their manager position. High energy guy. Reinsdorf may remember who he is.
hoyer -but no hrs giver up??
Nothing more than making room on the roster. He can always be picked up if he becomes a phenom again.
Why? 3.58 FIP, 3.95 SIERA, respectable strikeout rate of 22.4% and a solid walk rate of 8.5%, both around league averages. Is it the .362 BABIP?
Probably gets picked up
It’s because he’s a free agent anyway. Doubt he gets picked up for a week. The BABIP is high but the metrics don’t paint him as very good (or particularly terrible either in fairness). I always want to look at contact quality when we look at metrics (especially BABIP). He hasn’t been very good there (but not awful). The wall rate isn’t too bad but it’s up a lot and he only has a 35% ground ball rate. I mean all FIP cares about is his walks, HR, and strikeouts so yeah, it’s gonna have him as average because all those are averageish. A 3.95 Sierra isn’t particularly good for a reliever in today’s game.