Chicago Cubs: Offseason priorities, constructing the perfect bullpen
By Ryan Sikes
The Cubs could team up with the Indians in a trade for Nick Wittgren.
In addition to exploring the free-agent market, the Chicago Cubs may have to engage in trade talks with several teams to acquire a useful bullpen arm.
1. Seth Lugo, RHP (Mets)
Lugo was one of the best relief pitchers for the New York Mets and would, arguably, be the most difficult to acquire in a trade. He made 61 appearances out of the pen last year, tossing 80.0 innings with 104 strikeouts and walking a ridiculously low 16 batters. He’s also under contract through the 2022 season and is expected to get a nice bump is salary next season through arbitration at approximately $1.9 million.
2. Matt Andriese, RHP (Diamondbacks)
Andriese was quietly one of the best relievers in baseball last season, spinning a 4.71 ERA in 54 appearances. He tossed 70.2 innings with 79 strikeouts and 27 walks and his 3.72 FIP suggests that he was a bit unlucky in 2019. Still, with a 10.1 K/9 innings, Andriese would be a perfect fit in the Cubs bullpen that desperately needs more strikeout pitchers. He’s under contract through the 2021 season and is projected to make $1.4 million in arbitration this offseason.
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3. Nick Wittgren, RHP (Indians)
Wittgren had a really good year with the Indians last season and has been generally very good in his four big-league seasons. Last year, he experienced his highest workload, tossing 57.2 innings while striking out 60 batters and walking just 15. The 28-year-old is under contract through the 2022 season and is expected to see a bump in salary via arbitration to approximately $1.3 million for next year.