Chicago Cubs: Let’s not forget about the value of Steve Cishek

Chicago Cubs: Receiving a helping hand

The Chicago Cubs are slated to lose four relievers this offseason. Justin Wilson, Jesse Chavez, Anthony Bass and Jaime Garcia are all free agents, and while the case can certainly be made for Justin Wilson to return, as has already been for Jesse Chavez, the likes of Bass and Garcia returning do not seem very high.

While this potential could force the Cubs to give Cishek a ridiculous amount of work once again next season, the return of Brandon Morrow and Pedro Strop, both healthy and ready to contribute, will be a massive boon for Cishek. Nevertheless, Cishek will be an essential piece to the Cubs bullpen in 2019 and will probably serve some time in the setup role for Morrow to alleviate strain on Strop to keep him healthy.

Guys such as Carl Edwards Jr., who the Cubs are hoping for a resurgence as well and long-reliever Mike Montgomery should also ease the tension on Cishek, allowing the team to not have to overwork him.