Chicago Cubs: Under the radar options for closer in 2018

Steve Cishek, RHP

Cishek, 31, was just signed to a two-year deal by the Cubs on Thursday. The right-hander split the 2017 season between the Mariners and Rays, racking up 49 appearances and 44 2/3 innings pitched. In that time, Cishek yielded just ten earned runs and struck out 41 batters on route to a 2.01 ERA.

During the 2016 season, Cishek appeared in 62 games for the Mariners. Cishek amassed 64 innings pitched and recorded 25 saves in 32 opportunities. The right-hander also struck out 76 batters and averaged 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

Experience as a closer

Before the 2016 season, Cishek was the full-time closer for the Marlins in 2013 and 2014. Over those two seasons, Cishek racked up 73 saves in 79 chances for a conversion rate of 92.4 percent.

Overall, Cishek has 121 career saves and a 2.73 career ERA.

Chances to be Cubs’ closer

Now that both Morrow and Cishek are on the Cubs; roster, it will be interesting to see which one gets the job. Cishek is the most experienced option and is tough to hit because of his side-arm motion.

Cishek comes cheaper than Morrow. Both pitchers signed a two-year pact, but Cishek’s value is around $7 million per season, making a two-year deal worth about $14 million.