Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team to focus on arms, won’t count on Yu Darvish

Chicago Cubs: Internal, external options are on the table

In hopes of helping shore up the pitching staff for a final stretch run toward October, the Cubs aren’t dismissing anything out of hand. While much has been made of Yu Darvish’s lack of production since signing with Chicago, another offseason addition may have a key role to play.

The Cubs brought in lefty Drew Smyly last winter as he worked back from Tommy John surgery. At the time, the team viewed anything they could get from him this season to be ‘gravy’. Now, it appears as if the gravy train may be making a stop at Wrigley Field before the season’s over.

"“He can conceivably start, go back to the bullpen, he could be in a hybrid role,” Epstein said. “It just seems to make a lot of sense.”"

But, again, Epstein isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. The Cubs are heavily involved in a pursuit for former standout Orioles closer Zach Britton, as well. Adding someone like that to the mix could, conceivably, give Chicago one of the most shutdown pens in the game.

Of course, that assumption is predicated upon the belief that Britton can get back to what he was just a few short seasons ago. His metrics suggest he’s not that guy anymore – but, given a depleted Cubs farm system – he may be more affordable given those circumstances.

What does all this tell us? Anything can happen in the next week-plus. But when the calendar flips to August, the pitching staff will likely look different.