Chicago Cubs Rumors: Four relief options still available in free agency
By Paul Ashley
The Cleveland Indians recently took the Chicago Cubs to a seven-game World Series matchup in 2016 and the Cubs may be interested in signing a player that pitched well against them.
Cody Allen has compiled at least 24 saves in each season since 2014. During this time, he has pitched in 352 games with a 3.03 ERA, a 3.16 FIP, and a 1.148 WHIP. Although these are very solid numbers over a long period of time, Allen has not yet been able to earn a trip to the All-Star game.
Furthermore, MLB Trade Rumors predicts that Allen will only be able to receive a two-year, $16.00 million contract in free agency. As the Cubs are unlikely to sign a reliever to a three or four-year contract this offseason, Allen is another reliever the organization could attempt to add as he remains unsigned to this point in free agency.
Allen also has 17 games worth of postseason experience in which he has compiled a solid 3.10 ERA and 1.377 WHIP through 20.1 innings pitched. During this time, he has compiled an impressive 35 strikeouts compared to allowing 10 walks.
The Los Angeles Angels may currently be the largest competition for the services of Allen if he is interested in primarily being a closer. However, if he is open to a set-up role with occasional closing opportunities in order to join a team operating in win-now mode, the Cubs may be a better option for him.
Even though the Angels should never be overlooked with players such as Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in the mix, they are in a tough spot as the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros remain as the top two contenders to win the American League West division next season.