Friday, March 29, 2024

Projected Contracts For Cubs Free Agent Targets: Relievers

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It doesn’t really matter what team you root for, every offseason they’ll be looking to upgrade their bullpen. That’s especially the case for the Cubs.

Theo Epstein made that pretty clear last week at the GM meetings in Scottsdale. Via MLB.com.

“The bullpen’s a priority either way,” Epstein said. “We need to hit on a number of relievers this winter and rebuild a good portion of that bullpen.”

The Cubs were in the same position last offseason, as they knew Brandon Morrow wouldn’t be ready for 2019 (didn’t pitch at all) and had at best two relievers who could be trusted. Let’s just say they didn’t really address the bullpen.

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Eventually Kyle Ryan and Rowan Wick emerged as solid options in the bullpen, with Brad Wieck also showing promise late in the season. You’d hope that with a normal offseason closer Craig Kimbrel will return to form, but even if he does the Cubs still lack another high-leverage reliever, something that killed them throughout 2019.

So, who’s available in free agency?

Left-hander Will Smith, the top free agent reliever, already signed a three-year deal with the Braves worth $40 million that also includes a fourth-year team option. Hopefully that’s a sign that the offseason won’t be sluggish like the last few years.

So, let’s take a look at contract projections for the top free agents still available. They’ll be from FanGraphs‘ and MLB Trade Rumors‘ top-50 free agents lists.

Dellin Betances

FanGraphs

MLB Trade Rumors Prediction: 1 year, $7 million

Dellin Betances was set up to really cash in after 2018. The right-hander had been one of the best relievers from 2014-18 with the Yankees, but shoulder and lat injuries kept him out until September in 2019. In his only appearance this past year Betances suffered a partially torn left Achilles that didn’t require surgery but will sideline him for an uncertain amount of time.

He’ll be 32-years-old by the start of next season and you’d expect him to most likely receive a one-year contract with a second-year option, as teams just don’t know how the right-hander will recover from the Achilles injury.

Will Harris

FanGraphs

MLB Trade Rumors Prediction: 2 years, $18 million

From 2015-19 Will Harris has pitched at least 45 innings each season and his ERA has only been above three one of those years with the Astros. He’s been great and is coming off the best year of his career, posting a 1.50 ERA in 60 innings, striking out 62 to only 14 walks.

He’s been really steady and MLB Trade Rumors actually predicted the Cubs will sign him.

Drew Pomeranz

FanGraphs

MLB Trade Rumors Prediction: 2 years, $16 million

After struggling as a starter in 2019 with the Giants, Drew Pomeranz went to the bullpen and boy was he great. The lefty was then traded to the Brewers and in 23.1 innings out of the Milwaukee bullpen Pomeranz struck out 42 batters!

Because Pomeranz obviously has previous success as a starting pitcher, there will be other teams who will give him a chance to return back to a starting rotation. But right now, you can make the case that he’s top reliever on the market after his velocity spiked up after his transition to the bullpen in 2019 and his ridiculous strikeout rate.

Chris Martin

FanGraphs

MLB Trade Rumors Prediction: 2 years, $14 million

Here’s why I want the Cubs to sign Chris Martin. In 2019, with the Rangers and Braves, the right-hander threw 55.2 innings and he struck out 65 batters. He only walked five all season.

Daniel Hudson

FanGraphs

MLB Trade Rumors Prediction: 2 years, $12 million

Daniel Hudson made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2009. He was still trying to breakthrough as a starter in 2012, but eventually went to the bullpen on a full-time basis. He had some moderate success, but 2019 was his first great year as a reliever, combining to pitch 73 innings with the Blue Jays and Nationals. He had a 2.47 ERA and emerged as one of the few trusted relievers in Washington’s bullpen during the postseason.

And that’s pretty much it for the top free agent relievers.

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