Chicago Cubs: Offseason priorities, constructing the perfect bullpen

Cody Allen is a prime bounce-back candidate on the free-agent market.

The Cubs are likely going to have to look to the free-agent market for a bullpen arm or two. Here a few guys that they could potentially consider.

1. Will Smith, LHP

Will Smith is going to be one of the most coveted bullpen arms on the free-agent market this offseason and for good reason. The 30-year-old lefty made 63 appearances for the San Francisco Giants last season and converted 34 of out 38 saves chances. He tossed 65.1 innings and struck out 96 batters while walking just 21.

His market value is currently projected at $8.1 million which would be the third-most costly arm in the Cubs bullpen behind both Chatwood and Kimbrel. If Chatwood is moved this offseason, that certainly opens up some financial flexibility even though the Cubs will likely have to eat some of his contract.

2. Cody Allen, RHP

Might the Cubs take a chance on the once-dominant reliever Cody Allen? Allen had a rough go of it for the Angels last season, making 25 appearances with a 6.26 ERA and was designated for assignment. He struck out 29 batters in 23.0 innings of work but his command faltered last season, walking 20.

When he was with the Indians, Allen was very good, spinning a 2.98 ERA in 456 appearances over the course of 7 years. A closer look at his 2019 season reveals that he was hit at a 54.5 hard-hit percentage with an average exit velocity of 94.3 mph and a 15.2 barrel percentage. Allen relies on just two pitches, four-seam fastball and curveball, and it appears that the league finally caught on last year.

Opponents were able to slug 0.784 off his four-seam fastball but his curveball still produced great numbers (StatCast). It may be time for Allen to develop another pitch this offseason to keep hitters guessing. I’d be fine if the Cubs signed him to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training but nothing more.

3. Jeremy Jeffress, RHP

Jeffress was electric for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 but posted a 5.02 ERA in 48 appearances with the team last season and was released on September 1. A closer review of his pitch selection indicates that Jeffress was experiencing less break and spin on his sinker fastball, which opponents were able to slug 0.405 this season compared to 0.304 a year ago. Likewise, his curveball was not as effective as the 2018 season and opponents were able to slug 0.411 of this pitch (StatCast).

Jeffress could be another low-risk, high-reward candidate in Spring Training but a hefty contract should not be in order for the 32-year-old.