Brandon Woodruff has been one of the better starters in MLB over the last few years. Even making only 11 starts in 2023, he posted 2.4 bWAR and has averaged 3.2 bWAR over the last five seasons. That, of course, includes the abbreviated 2020 season.
Woodruff underwent shoulder surgery last month and is expected to miss the entire 2024 season.
Thus, the Brewers non-tendered him Friday, making him a free agent.
Obviously, new Cubs manager Craig Counsell is quite familiar with Woodruff and what he can add to a starting rotation.
2024 would be Woodruff’s age-31 season.