Chicago Cubs: Some of the keys to the Cubs bullpen

We know who Chicago Cubs closer will be. But who else will be out there with him? We take a look at a few of the faces that will join him.

We all know that Brandon Morrow is going to close games for the Chicago Cubs to start 2018, but who is going to join him in the dance studio known as the Cubs bullpen? There are old and new; something borrowed and, well, they’re all blue. They’re Cubs. Who will the Cubs send out to help finish games? These are just a few of them.

Pedro Strop, the 32-year-old right-hander, is headed into his sixth season as a member of the Cubs’ bullpen, and he is expected to be in his customary role as a late-inning setup man to set the stage for Morrow to come in and slam the door shut.

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Still waiting

However, Strop has yet to pitch in the Cactus League this spring due to calf soreness. And there is a real chance he will start the season on the disabled list.

If that scenario presents itself, 26-year-old righty Dillion Maples would likely take Strop’s place until Strop is healthy.

The 26-year-old right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. is entering his third full season as a big leaguer, and similar to Strop Edwards Jr. will be expected to work in late-inning pressure situations.

Edwards had a 2.66 ERA in 73 appearances in 2017 but did struggle with walks in high leverage situations, but Joe Maddon has confidence in Edwards, and he will be every chance to succeed.

The veteran Cishek

Over the offseason, the Cubs added 31-year-old submariner righty Steve Cishek. Like Strop and Edwards, Cishek will likely assume a middle inning role. He also could be thought as an insurance policy in case Brandon Morrow struggles as the closer. Cishek had 25 saves in 32 opportunities while the Marlins primary closer in 2015.

From the left side, the Cubs will place the bulk of the burden and workload on Justin Wilson when a significant power-hitting left-handed hitter comes up late in the in the game. However, Wilson struggled after he was obtained from the Tigers in July, so he might need to prove that he can get those critical outs before he’s placed into the role.

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These are just a few of the key names to keep an eye on heading into 2018. It’s going to take everybody out there to get the job done. Mike Montgomery will be another key because he will be the long man and the spot starter when injuries happen.

The Cubs will have one of the better bullpens in baseball, but that’s only on paper. It all depends what happens on the field.