Chicago Cubs: Offseason priorities, constructing the perfect bullpen

Who, if any, will return next season?

Brandon Morrow was pegged as the team’s next closer after appearing in all seven games of the 2017 World Series. However, it was all a mirage as his injury history popped up again in July 2018 and never pitched again for the Cubs. Prior to landing on the injured list, Morrow was putting together a strong season in which he had already collected 22 saves while posting a 1.47 ERA in 35 appearances.

How Steve Cishek’s arm didn’t fall off during his time here is beyond me. Between 2018 and 2019, Cishek made 150 appearances and tossed 134.1 innings while striking out approximately a batter per inning. Given the heavy load he endured over the last two seasons, the 33-year-old submarine pitcher will likely hit free agency.

Brandon Kintzler was acquired before the trade deadline in 2018 and had a rough time in Chicago. When the Cubs picked up his option for the 2019 season, many fans collectively groaned. But Kintzler quickly silenced his doubters and put together a great season that saw him toss 57.0 innings while striking out 48 batters in 62 appearances.

Already stating that he wants to come back next season, Pedro Strop had a bit of an injury-plagued year with the Cubs. He had a really nice month of September when he was finally healthy and should be a prime candidate to re-sign. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the internal candidates that could see a larger role next season.