Chicago Cubs: Pedro Strop should get the chance to be the closer

In his six seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Pedro Strop has primarily served as the setup man. But it’s time for him to take that next step and become the closer.

Pedro Strop has been one of the best, if not the best, Chicago Cubs relievers of all time. During his career on the North Side he has accumulated 114 career holds, most of which have come in high-leverage situations. The setup man holds the Cubs record for most holds by quite a large margin over Carlos Marmol who has just 83.

During his tenure as a Cub, Strop has pitched 331 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.63 ERA and a 1.020 WHIP. At times he’s been an extremely dominant pitcher, striking out 376 batters, while also being able to limit baserunners, allowing just 127 walks.

Strop put it all together again in 2018, turning in perhaps his best season yet in the big leagues. On the year the right-hander posted a 2.26 ERA, his lowest since he arrived in Chicago back in 2013. In 59 2/3 innings pitched this season, Strop also managed to cut down his walks, allowing 21 free passes, five fewer than a year ago.

The Dominican Republic native solidified the back-end of the bullpen for the last couple of seasons but last year, the Cubs also had to lean on him to close out ballgames. Strop didn’t back down nor did he disappoint, earning 13 saves in lieu of the injured Brandon Morrow.