Chicago Cubs have no choice but to add to their bullpen

Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead to next winter’s class

Now, the Chicago Cubs could re-sign some of their potential free agent relief pitchers. But retaining that many free agent relievers all in one offseason is a tall order.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

Remember how we were panicked for years ahead of time when three-fifths of the starting rotation (Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Jason Hammel) were all due to be free agents at the same time after the 2017 season?

After the 2019 campaign, there aren’t a lot of great relievers who are expected to be free agents. Dellin Betances, Jeremy Jeffress and Addison Reed seem likely to be the best available outside of the Cubs relievers we mentioned above. Former Cubs Hector Rondon, Joe Smith and Arodys Vizcaino will also be free agents.

Kenley Jansen could opt out of remaining two years and $38 million of his contract. But after the heart issues he experienced this year, I doubt he will opt out of his deal.

The Cubs may regret missing out on Zach Britton and Andrew Miller this offseason because there are almost no left-handed relievers available next year. MLBTradeRumors only lists seven left-handed relievers for the next winter. Two of those have club options and one has a player option.