Chicago Cubs: Winter Meetings goals for Cubs management

Goal #2: Quality Bullpen Depth

One of the concerns entering last year was the bullpen. While it was filled with quality players, the lack of consistency was an issue. Of the opening day roster for 2016, only three relief pitchers are current Cubs. All three are arbitration eligible.

Travis Wood is a free agent, and desires to find a place in a starting rotation. It is unlikely the Cubs would give him the fifth spot in their rotation, which appears earmarked for Mike Montgomery. However, the need for a reliable left-handed reliever is high. By signing Brian Duensing on Friday, the Cubs have a solid start on building a quality bullpen.

The market is flush with bullpen pitchers, but finding the right combination of players is key. Joe Smith could be a target for the team. Others to consider are Jerry Blevins (4-2, 2.79 ERA in 2016), Neftali Feliz (4-2, 3.52 ERA in 2016), and Marc Rzepczynski (1-0, 2.64 ERA in 2016).