Chicago Cubs Rumors: 3 options to replace closer Craig Kimbrel
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel may be soon out of the role if David Ross decides on a change.
The 2020 Chicago Cubs have started off, probably, much better than most would have guessed. Many fans believed in the talent prior to the season, but there were definitely some question marks.
It’s tough not to be competitive with guys like Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez and some of the best overall gloves in the game — not to mention, Kris Bryant has had a slow start. Imagine when he gets going.
The glaring weakness, so far, has been the bullpen — and Craig Kimbrel has been brutal. The bullpen, as a whole, has been murky at best. They are getting better, but the closer role is such a question mark.
What’s clear is that the Cubs have to do something with the closer spot. They have been such a strong team, overall, in the early goings of this season. It would be a shame to waste the talent by not being able to put even semi-decent relief pitching out on the mound in the ninth inning.
Recently, Chicago signed veteran pitcher Cody Allen. Cubs fans should be familiar with Allen, who pitched at a high level for the Cleveland Indians back in 2016 and 2017. Allen’s best year in the majors was that 2016 year which saw the Indians ultimately surrender the World Series to Chicago.
The Cubs also brought up left-hander Justin Steele, whom they drafted in 2014 and has since spent his time in the minors. Steele likely gets his shot to shine soon, but will probably be brought in as a middle reliever.
So, with that in mind, where do the Cubs turn to address the closer problem? If David Ross ends up fixing the issue within the clubhouse and not via trade, there are three scenarios which could unfold. Let’s take a look at three potential options for the Cubs to replace Kimbrel as closer.