Chicago Cubs: Greatest players of the decade – #40-31

Chicago Cubs: No. 37: Steve Cishek

The Chicago Cubs have had their bullpen issues over the past couple of seasons. However, we can’t blame that on Steve Cishek, who ended up being one of Theo Epstein’s better free agent signings.

The Cubs signed Cishek to a two-year deal prior to the 2018 season. Cishek had experience as a closer with the Miami Marlins and the Seattle Mariners, and in 2017 as a middle reliever with the Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays, he posted a 2.01 ERA.

Cishek did not disappoint in 2018 with the Cubs, posting a 2.18 ERA in 80 appearances; indeed, he became one of Joe Maddon‘s most reliable bullpen options. Cishek wasn’t quite as good in 2019, but he was still solid with a 2.95 ERA in 70 games.

I recently wrote a piece on the Cubs’ bullpen outlook this offseason, and with the team needing bullpen help, I expressed hope that the Cubs would be able to re-sign Cishek. Though it could be expensive, hopefully, they can get it done.