Andrew Chafin
Middle relievers are not going to excite most baseball fans. That does not mean that Andrew Chafin is unworthy of notice.
Chafin is another player that the Chicago Cubs traded away at the deadline, sending him to the A’s for a pair of minor leaguers. However, unlike with Craig Kimbrel, the Cubs would not need to trade for him again as Chafin is a free agent.
After settling for a $2.25 million contract with a team option during the 2020-21 offseason, Chafin is set to receive a solid deal this time in free agency. He put together a combined 1.83 ERA and a 0.932 WHiP in his 68.2 innings, striking out 64 batters with 19 walks. Regardless of the role, those numbers are absolutely impressive.
Chafin could also serve as a stopgap option in the ninth inning. He was pressed into closer duty for the A’s when Lou Trivino imploded in August. During that time, Chafin notched five saves, bringing some needed stability to the back of Oakland’s bullpen.
The Chicago Cubs could use a solid veteran arm in the middle of their bullpen. Bringing Andrew Chafin back would make a difference.