The Chicago Cubs begin a four-game series against the Washington Nationals on Monday, but before they get that started let’s take a look at how their free agent pitchers have performed heading into May.

Jameson Taillon

Contract: 4 Years, $68 Million.
Grade: C

3 Starts, 14 IP, 4.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 16 K, 4 BB

Jameson Taillon was the big free agent addition to the starting rotation this past offseason and so far he has been pretty much average. His numbers look worse than what he’s pitched because there were a few defensive miscues and some tough luck in his first couple of starts. However, Taillon looked great against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his third start of the season. Unfortunately, the veteran right-hander has been on the injured list since April 20, with a groin strain. The good news is that it appears Taillon will only miss the minimum 15 days on the IL and could be back in the starting rotation at the end of this week.

Drew Smyly

Contract: 2 Years, $19 Million. Opt out after 2023. $10 Million Option for 2025, includes $2.5 Million Buyout.
Grade: A

5 Starts, 28 IP, 3.21 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 27 K, 6 BB

The Cubs re-signed left-handed starter Drew Smyly to have some stability at the back end of the starting rotation and he has more than proven to be a reliable starter every fifth day. Smyly is also a good example that spring training results do not matter for veteran pitchers. He looked bad in Arizona and even struggled in his season debut against the Cincinnati Reds, but in his last four starts Smyly has allowed a total of four earned runs in 23.1 IP. That included his perfect game bid against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he only allowed one hit in 7.2 innings.

Michael Fulmer

Contract: 1 Years, $4 Million.
Grade: C

13 Games, 6.57 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 16 K, 5 BB

I know that Michael Fulmer is public enemy number one for Cubs fans after he blew two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but other than looking bad against LA, he’s been great. So, he gets an average grade, though, because he does have two blown saves and that other loss against Los Angeles. He’s made 13 total appearances. Here are his numbers excluding the three awful games against the Dodgers.

10 Games, 10.1 IP, 0.87 ERA, 14 K, 3 BB

That’s one earned run in 10 other games compared to eight earned runs in three against Los Angeles. But that’s why he’s down to a C and maybe some fans think that’s too high, but he just hasn’t inspired much confidence in high leverage spots, which is what the Cubs signed him to excel in.

Brad Boxberger

Contract: 1 Year, $2.8 Million.
Grade: B+

11 Games, 10 IP, 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 9 K, 6 BB

Right-handed reliever Brad Boxberger has been fine. He’s allowed four earned runs, but three of those came in one game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And similar to Michael Fulmer, Boxberger has been shaky even when he has been getting positive results. He’s walked six batters in 10 innings, at least one in five of his 11 relief appearances. However, Boxberger has kept hitters to a .176 batting average, allowing just six hits so far through April. You take the good results, though.