The Chicago Cubs have had a relatively quiet offseason to this point, but things could ramp up quickly now that some of the top free agents have started to come off of the board.
With rumors swirling around that the Chicago Cubs may pursue big names in free agency such as Bryce Harper, this offseason has not yet lived up to the anticipated excitement. Due to questions surrounding the Cubs quiet offseason, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein recently addressed the current thought process of the organization with Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.
“There are times to be aggressive and times to be patient, and there are times when you can be aggressive and times where you have to be patient,” Epstein said. “Every offseason is unique. We’re working hard, and there are a lot of things we’re trying to do behind the scenes to make sure we have a successful season next year.”
“I know thus far we haven’t added the big names that get the fans excited,” Epstein continued. “I understand that’s part of the expectations in the offseason. But ultimately we’ll be judged by how we play, and we’re doing everything we can to have a really successful season and live up to our expectations and our standards.”
However, as pictures continue to surface of the Harper’s and Bryant’s spending time together during the offseason and as impact free agents continue to come off of the board, the patience of the fan base is thinning each day in regards to the Cubs free agent plans.
Nonetheless, as Epstein also alluded that the front office is continuously monitoring the free agent market while looking for something practical in it, the following are four free agent relievers that could potentially end up in the North Side of Chicago next season.