Chicago Cubs have choices to make regarding the future of the ninth inning

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Addison Reed

Addison Reed wound up in a pennant race in 2017 when the Mets sold off parts and traded the six-year veteran to the Red Sox. While in New York, he acted as the team’s closer and did the job quite well.

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Over 49 innings, he put together a solid line: 19 of 21 saves converted, a 2.57 ERA  and 1.12 WHIP.

Reed had 48 strikeouts to six walks. In roughly half the innings for Boston, he struggled a little bit outside of the closer role–Craig Kimbrel runs shop there–allowing 10 earned runs, 3.33 ERA.

League adjustments and shifting to the AL taken into consideration.

Reed had years closing for the White Sox and Diamondbacks from 2012-14, compiling 101 saves with 18  blown saves but with a 4.00-plus ERA and 3.83 FIP in that span.

What to expect?

Reed can close, as he has the experience and did it well for the Mets in 2016. Depending on the team–maybe the Cardinals?–he might be viewed as a closer. Especially in a weaker class with less than viable candidates.

The prediction is he steps into an ace setup role for a team.

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