Discussion: Andrew Cashner

by John Sickels on Feb 10, 2026 4:00 PM EST

I was going to do a Career Profile on Andrew Cashner, but there really isn't a lot to profile at this point, and his major league track record so far is too small to lead to valid comparisons. I personally see him as more of a reliever than a starter, but Cubs fans and observers who get to see him more frequently may have different observations.

So, people who have seen a lot of Andrew Cashner, let's have a discussion. What do YOU think? What role should be play? Answer the poll question and then explain your thinking in the comments.

Poll

Should Andrew Cashner be a starter or reliever?

Starter

234 votes

Reliever

166 votes

400 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Starter Camp

He claims to prefer it, and when he has thrown up the minor league numbers he has the last couple of years I think he deserves a chance to see it through—and the Cubs are going to let him in ST.

He is still working on the circle change, but it was progressing well until the Cubs threw him in the pen the last couples months of the season. He holds his mid 90’s velo very well and the slider is a wipe out offering.

When a scout like Callis says that he has #2 starter stuff now, with a possible ace #1 ceiling I really want to see him operate as a starter until he absolutely flames out.

by St.Steve on Feb 10, 2026 4:38 PM EST reply actions

I see him as a starter

He doesnt look like he should have arm injurys because of his fluid delivery, but you could argue that his fastball belongs at the closer role

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by mathisrocks5 on Feb 10, 2026 4:52 PM EST reply actions

Time will tell

I think they should start him this year. Since what will be important for his development will be innings, start him in AAA Iowa. If injuries and ineffectiveness require minor league call-ups, Cashner should not be first.

Going with an opening day rotation of Garza, Zambrano, Dempster, Wells, and Silva, Casey Coleman should be the sixth option. He proved last year he can go six innings, if unspectacularly. If a seventh option is needed, I would prefer Chris Carpenter if he is pitching well. Jay Jackson could also be considered before Cashner.

The exception to this is if the Cubs are in reasonable contention by mid-June. Cashner then should be considered a call-up option if doing well in AAA.

Cashner will be given every chance to start. If he can, he should. If he can’t he could be a nice late inning reliever.

by timh815 on Feb 10, 2026 7:17 PM EST reply actions

Starter.

Big guy…velocity comes really easy…mechanics are there…has the breaking pitch for it, though it can be more consistent…and I think he’s got real potential with a changeup.

The organization seems set on it too, which I like. Guy’s got the best raw stuff on the Cubs…no real reason not to start him. If he’s to be a reliever in the long term at least you know it’s because he proved he couldn’t be a starter…there’s entirely too much upside to duck out now.

by SenorGato on Feb 10, 2026 8:01 PM EST reply actions

Oh and...

I think there’s two ways to do this…start him in AAA and let him get innings there and then call him up to start some games….oooooooor do the Phil Hughes and start 20-25 games before a bullpen move to close out the season.

by SenorGato on Feb 10, 2026 8:03 PM EST up reply actions