Chicago Cubs: Three realistic targets for the last offseason piece

Jake Diekman – RP

The Cubs have done a nice job adding some arms this offseason, including relievers Tony Barnette and Brad Brach. However, it never hurts to add more pitching. With Brandon Morrow still trying to bounce back from injury, the Cubs should add one more arm before it’s all said and done and Jake Diekman is a great option. Diekman, 32 years old, is a lefty reliever who’s been with Philly, Arizona, and Texas in his seven-year career.

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Right now, the Cubs are heading into camp betting on the likes of Brian Duensing, Randy Rosario, Kyle Ryan and Justin Steele to handle late-inning duties from the left side. I’m sorry to say, but that’s not a list that inspires a lot of confidence. That’s not to say they won’t become that type of group, but there are a lot of question marks when you look at these guys, as a whole.

As for Diekman, he carries a WAR of 0.5 and a career ERA of 3.75. With Justin Wilson heading to the Mets, Diekman would be a nice replacement.

It’s also worth noting that Diekman is coming off a season with an ERA of 4.73, so the Cubs would be able to get him on the cheap, as he has something to prove to the league. It’s worth a shot and has the potential to be an excellent move – and one that addresses perhaps the team’s biggest shortcoming – quality left-handed relief pitching.