Chicago Cubs: Dillon Maples could be undervalued bullpen weapon

There’s one problem the Chicago Cubs’ don’t have: depth. Both in the bullpen and with position players, Joe Maddon’s club boasts all kinds of possibilities.

Almost anyone who follows the Chicago Cubs feel they need one more starting pitching. Maybe another proven back-end arm. In essence, they’re close, but not quite done with what we’d all consider a very successful offseason.

To be clear, this team has already done quite a bit. In the rotation, Theo Epstein brought in Tyler Chatwood and Drew Smyly. As Smyly works back from Tommy John, he represents a longer-term asset for the club. Hence, another immediate asset makes a ton of sense.

In the bullpen, the Cubs made serious moves. Stealing an arm from the rival Dodgers, Chicago brought in right-hander Brandon Morrow. They complimented him with the likes of Steve Cishek, Dario Alvarez and Randy Rosario. That alone forms a solid bullpen core.

Add in the returning relievers from 2017 in Carl Edwards, Mike Montgomery, Pedro Strop, Justin Wilson and Justin Grimm and you see the inherent depth heading into Spring Training.

So who becomes the odd man out? The list above includes nine bullpen arms. Add in five starter and you have 14 pitchers. The Cubs won’t carry 14 arms out of camp – and they have another young arm looking for a chance in Dillon Maples.