Cubs Looking At Trades For Top Closers

[47th oG]

The Cubs are “actively exploring a trade for†a star closer, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports (Twitter link). Most of the speculation surrounding the Cubs this winter has been focused on their search for pitching or outfield help, as Chicago’s bullpen was strong last year and current closer Hector Rondon has posted two seasons of excellent relief work.

Rondon did run into some difficulties in May of last season, though those struggles essentially consisted of two rough weeks that include two of his four blown saves. Otherwise, Rondon was mostly spotless, as evidenced by a tiny 0.88 ERA and 51 strikeouts (against just 10 walks) over his last 51 regular season innings. Pushing Rondon to a setup role would, theoretically, make the Cubs’ relief corps even stronger and closer to the Royals model of a shutdown bullpen that shortens games.

Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, Mark Melancon, Ken Giles, Jonathan Papelbon, Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger are some of the closers who have been floated as trade candidates in what has been a crowded relief market this offseason, with Craig Kimbrel and Francisco Rodriguez already changing teams. Chapman and Melancon could be difficult fits for the Cubs, however, depending on how the Reds and Pirates feel about dealing within the NL Central.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/12/cubs-looking-at-trades-for-top-closers.html

 

[JZsportswhiz]

No thanks on Chapman or Melancon. Both would require premiums to trade in division and Chapman is going to get a stupid contract next offseason that the Cubs likely won't pay

Chapman is a game changing arm, but given the makeup of the Cubs team as is, the cost is not going to be worth the upgrade IMO. Can always improve the bullpen though. Would love to add another dependable arm.


With injuries and the lack of a back end of the rotation, the Cubs bullpen was used a lot and fatigue definitely became an issue for some guys. Would also decrease the reliance on Lester + Arrieta and cut back slightly on their IP.