The Chicago Cubs have had an eventful offseason, but there is still much to be done if they intend to be true contenders in the National League. After posting 83 wins in each of the last two seasons, the Cubs entered the winter with a clear mission to improve their roster and push for the postseason. While they haven’t made significant investments in free agents so far, the team has made some key trades to strengthen their lineup.
The most notable move came when the Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, a left-handed slugger and one of the top outfielders in baseball. His addition gives Chicago a bona fide star and bolsters their roster as they aim to contend for the National League Central title in 2025. Adding Tucker is undoubtedly a significant step forward, but the Cubs still have areas of their team that need attention.
One of the most glaring issues for the Cubs in the previous season was their bullpen, as the team struggled to close out games. While they’ve made efforts to address this weakness by trading for Eli Morgan, much more work remains. MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan recently suggested that the Cubs could be an ideal landing spot for relief pitcher Carlos Estevez, particularly given the bullpen’s past struggles. He pointed out that the Cubs have often relied on a mix of inexperienced pitchers and veteran stopgaps in recent years, which hasn’t yielded the desired results.
Estevez, who is widely regarded as one of the best remaining free-agent relief pitchers, could provide the Cubs with much-needed stability at the back end of their bullpen. Although the Cubs showed interest in Tanner Scott this offseason, they were unable to come to an agreement, and with Scott now signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Estevez is arguably the best available option. The Cubs must act quickly to bolster their relief corps before all top-tier options are off the market.
Estevez brings valuable experience, having been named an All-Star in 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels. He was also an integral part of the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen in 2024 after being acquired at the trade deadline. The 32-year-old posted a 4-5 record, a 2.45 ERA, and saved 26 games in 2024, showcasing his ability to close games or pitch in high-leverage situations. His addition would provide manager Craig Counsell with more flexibility and security in the bullpen, allowing for better late-game management.
Despite their hesitance to spend big in free agency this winter, adding a top-tier arm like Estevez should be a priority for the Cubs. With Tucker now in the fold, the team is clearly in a win-now mindset for 2025, and bolstering their bullpen with a proven closer like Estevez will be crucial to achieving their goals.
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