Chicago Cubs Rumored Target for the Bullpen Agrees to Handle Mariners
The Chicago Cubs’ second purported target has agreed to a contract with a different organization.
The Chicago Cubs had a passable offseason, nothing particularly noteworthy.
By acquiring a top-of-the-rotation starter, Major League bullpen components, and reliable hitters to deploy in their lineup, they were able to address some of their requirements.
But it wasn’t exactly the whole roster makeover that front office and management had alluded to before the offseason.
The Cubs’ bullpen was one area they most definitely needed to improve, since its collapse toward the end of the season was a major factor in their team’s third consecutive season of missing the playoffs.
Their supposed interest in former World Series winner Ryne Stanek, a right-hander, would have greatly strengthened their bullpen, but in recent weeks, it became less and less likely that Chicago would give the right-hander a deal.
As of right now, Stanek and the Seattle Mariners have reached an agreement, according Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
He became one of the top bullpen components in MLB after joining the Houston Astros before 2021, finishing his three-year career with an ERA of 2.90 and an ERA+ of 142.
Before the season begins, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer made a suggestion that there might not be any further additions, which seems to indicate they are indeed done.
Chicago is now below the first level of the luxury tax barrier, so it’s possible that they’re holding off on adding players until after the trade deadline to see whether they can contend.
They are considered the favorites in the NL Central, therefore it’s possible that in 2024 their postseason drought will end.
