Chicago Cubs: Pen gets another boost; Happ’s role

 The Chicago Cubs suddenly became active in the free agent market, signing their second reliever in two days. The Cubs added George Kontos on a minor league deal on Friday night.

The Chicago Cubs signed reliever George Kontos to a minor league deal on Friday night, causing great excitement in the Cub-o-sphere. Okay, maybe not, but Kontos adds potential depth even after he’s bounced around the last several years. Kontos has had success in the majors and is looking to regain his fastball velocity as he gets a shot at the Cubs bullpen.

Ian Happ has shown great potential in his first year and a half in the major leagues. Last season, Joe Maddon picked Happ to take the reins of the leadoff spot. For the second straight year, Maddon’s leadoff plans fizzled. But Happ is still young, and there is still potential there. But the difficulty will be where he’ll fit in on the 2019 roster. With the ability to play multiple positions, the opportunity will be there.

Craig Kimbrel has been an effective closer in his career and is looking for a big contract because of that. But the market for closers and lengthy contracts isn’t always a good one. So if his market starts to take a tumble, should the Cubs give him another look? It’s a highly unlikely chance they will, but if the price comes down, it can’t hurt to give a look.

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These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs sign Kontos to minor-league deal’ – Cubbies Crib

‘What role will Happ play in 2019?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘If Kimbrel’s price plummets, is he worth a look?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs hire former pitcher, scout Aaron Sele’ – Cubs Insider

‘Five surprising Steamer projections’ – MLB.com

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