Chicago Cubs Rumors: 3 options to replace closer Craig Kimbrel

1. Rowan Wick

One of the first options the Cubs have is the righty, Rowan Wick. The 27-year-old is in just his third season in the Majors and comes with little experience. But, he’s shown the ability to handle pressure in the early goings.

More from Da Windy City

• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
• Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal

In his first year, 2018 with the San Diego Padres, Wick appeared in just 10 games while pitching a total of 8.1 innings. As stated, he has a small amount of experience to justify handling a crucial role.

Last year with the Cubs, Wick appeared in 31 games and pitched 33.1 innings. He surrendered 22 hits with nine earned runs, while striking out 13 batters and allowing 16 walks. In the grand scheme of things, his 2.43 ERA was pretty fair.

Going into Monday night, Wick pitched two innings, giving up three hits but not allowing a single run on 11 batters faced. He also had a strikeout and a walk.

Wick got the opportunity for the save in last night’s first game against Kansas City. He finished the eighth inning and pitched all of the ninth. He faced four batters in that ninth inning, resulting in the following sequence: Pop-out, single, pop-out, pop-out. He did see a batter reach all the way to third base due to fielder’s indifference, but Wick ended up closing the game out nicely.