3 relievers for Chicago Cubs to target
The Chicago Cubs are looking to contend in 2022. That much has been made clear by their moves prior to the lockout, particularly their three year deal with Marcus Stroman. There is a lot of work left to do despite those signings if the Cubs are going to actually compete.
That work will include the bullpen. The Cubs already needed to address their relief corps as it was, but that is particularly the case as they have lost Codi Heuer for the season. This leaves the Cubs without someone who is expected to be a key late inning piece.
Three relievers for the Chicago Cubs
Fortunately, there are plenty of relievers available in free agency. The trade market could have some interesting options as well, including possible answers for the ninth inning. Although the Cubs did not do much for the bullpen prior to the lockout, they can make up for that time.
The Chicago Cubs need to bolster their bullpen if they are going to contend in 2022. Let’s look at some possible options.
Craig Kimbrel
Yes, the Chicago Cubs traded Craig Kimbrel away at the deadline. And it would make sense to bring him back now.
As it is, the Cubs traded Kimbrel at the height of his value, landing Heuer and Nick Madrigal in return. As he was in the midst of an All Star season and had established himself as the best reliever available at the deadline, the Cubs did well to land two players that could be long term parts of their future.
The problem was that Kimbrel immediately fell apart in a setup role with the White Sox. They did exercise his $16 million option for 2022, but specifically with the idea that they would trade him. However, given his struggles last season, and his salary for the upcoming year, they may be hard pressed to receive the same sort of return.
Enter the Cubs. As strange as it may be to trade for someone that was dealt away just a few months prior, their needs have changed. If they can get Kimbrel back for less than they received, it would still be an absolute bargain.
The Chicago Cubs traded Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox at the trade deadline. It is time to bring their closer back.
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.
Steve Cishek
Just like Andrew Chafin, Steve Cishek is not the type of signing that will generate headlines. However, just like Chafin, he is the type of player that could make a major difference.
Cishek has filled a variety of roles in his dozen years in the majors. The one time Marlins closer has a pair of 30+ save seasons under his belt, showing that he could handle the ninth inning if need be. He has also been a solid setup man over the years, someone that could handle the middle innings or the seventh inning with ease.
That is the type of pitcher that the Cubs need in their bullpen at this point. They need another veteran arm that can slot in virtually anywhere, handling any role necessary. Cishek has been that type of pitcher throughout his career.
The Cubs also have some familiarity with Cishek. He had previously spent two seasons with the club, posting a 2.55 ERA and a 1.117 WHiP in his 134.1 innings, notching 11 saves while striking out 135 batters with 57 walks. The Cubs would certainly take that type of performance once again.
dark. Next. Cubs bullpen takes hit with Heuer injury
The Chicago Cubs need more pieces in their bullpen. Steve Cishek would be a perfect option in their relief corps.