Davies looks forward to helping Cubs make another playoff push

For Cubs fans, there wasn't much to like about the late December trade that sent ace starting pitcher Yu Darvish and his expensive contract to the Padres.

Four young prospects arrived from San Diego, but they are years away from being major-league ready.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer did like the veteran player he got back in the deal.

"Zach Davies is an excellent major-league pitcher," Hoyer said. "He was fifth in ERA in the National League last year. Four of the last five years, he's been really good."

Davies is already good enough to rank No. 2 on the Cubs starting depth chart, behind Kyle Hendricks. In 12 starts with the Padres last season, he was 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA.

"I've changed a few things with pitch usage and how I attack hitters and how I pitch to them," Davies told reporters Sunday on a Zoom call from Mesa, Arizona. "I'd say numbers-wise, (2020) was the best season for me. I'm one of those guys that wants to pitch every five days and pitch as many innings as I can.

"Last year didn't allow me to do that, it didn't allow anybody to do that with only 60 games. But I'm excited for 162 (games) this year and to be out there for as many innings as possible."

Pitching at Wrigley Field should be a smooth transition for the 28-year-old Davies, who played five seasons (2015-19) with the Brewers. Over his career, the right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 9 starts at his new home ballpark.

Even though the Cubs' extended run of success appears to be coming to an end, Davies still sees many of the dangerous hitters he used to try getting out.

"I think everybody in this clubhouse is preparing to win ballgames during the course of the year and compete for playoffs," he said. "I think it's business as usual."

Like Hendricks, Davies doesn't have the arm to blow hitters away but his changeup is a plus pitch and he's been a successful major-league starter.

"The Cubs put our lockers right next to each other so they understand the comparisons, too," Davies said of his similarity to Hendricks. "We have talked a lot, but it's been mostly about getting to know the organization so far on my part. The conversation will evolve over the year as we go over different teams and different lineups."