Chicago Cubs Free Agency: Top players to go after

Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Marshall — Relief Pitcher

The Cubs have five relievers who filed for free agency. They will need to tinker with the bullpen. The bullpen was a weak spot of the team this season, though it performed pretty well down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.

Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer now have a reason to revamp the bullpen.

One player they could go after at a low cost is Sean Marshall.

Since leaving the Cubs in 2011, Marshall has pitched well out of the bullpen… when he gets to be on the mound.

Marshall has suffered through shoulder injuries that have cut down his last three seasons. In 2013, he had just 16 appearances. In 2014, that went down to 15, and he missed the entire season this year.

Marshall could sign a one-year, prove it contract with the Cubs, and if he pitches well, he could later sign a richer contract.

Marshall was always a pitcher with good stuff. Between 2010 and 2012, he had a 2.47 ERA, FIP of 2.12, a WHIP of 1.12 and 243 strikeouts in 211-and-1/3 innings.

If Marshall can show he is over his shoulder troubles, it may be worth a shot to bring him back to Chicago. He can help the Cubs build a bridge between the starter and the closer. Much like the Royals do with their bullpen, the Cubs’ starters can go six innings, then Marshall, Strop and Rondon can come in and seal a win.

Next: I said fix the bullpen!