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6 hours ago
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The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, with a 49-34 record and a two-game lead in the NL Central. Their high-powered offense ranks third in the league, according to FanGraphs, and is feared throughout the majors. While Chicago’s starting pitching rotation could use another marquee arm at the deadline, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd did a tremendous job in the absence of Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. Now, with Imanaga back, the focus of Chicago’s trade deadline plans shifts to the bullpen – primarily the closer role.
ESPN’s Jesse Rodgers recently spoke about Chicago’s World Series aspirations and why they may hinge on their aggressiveness to acquire a lockdown closer.
“You knew they were serious about the World Series [in 2016] when they went out and traded for Aroldis Chapman,” Rogers told Lance Brozdowski on the Cubs Weekly Podcast. “You’ll know really how serious the Cubs are in terms of going all the way if they replace Palencia with someone better and more experienced. Because it feels like a little bit of a luxury right now the way Palencia is pitching to go out and get another closer.”
Shutting down the ninth inning is a necessity during the playoffs. It is rare for teams to succeed in October with a patchwork bullpen or a closer-by-committee and be successful. It is not impossible, but the odds of winning a World Series increase with a secure closer.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) smiles before a game between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Porter Hodge was the Cubs’ initial closer, but a stint on the injured list thrust Daniel Palencia into the role. Palencia, 25, has been stellar in 27 appearances, pitching to a 1.86 ERA and converting eight of his nine save opportunities.
While Palencia and Hodge have done enough to keep the Cubs atop the NL Central standings, adding another elite bullpen arm will only deepen their chances of contending for a World Series.
A reunion with Chapman is a possibility, but is not the only option. The Baltimore Orioles will likely be sellers, leading to Felix Bautista potentially being available, and even Nationals’ All-Star Kyle Finnegan could be an underrated addition to Chicago’s pen.
The Cubs currently hold the third-best record in baseball, setting themselves up for a postseason appearance. Yet, if they want to increase their World Series odds and further cement their standing among the MLB’s elite, acquiring a premium closer should be on the trade deadline itinerary.
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