Chicago Cubs: Four players looking to rebound in 2020

Chicago Cubs: Of all the players on the current roster that needs a bounce back in 2020, no doubt Craig Kimbrel is the number one name on the list.

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The 2019 Cubs had a major bullpen problem, and they tried to address that in a big way mid-season by getting free agent closer Craig Kimbrel who was holding out for a while. Kimbrel did not have a real spring training and needed some time to get ready before joining the Cubs after signing the three-year, $43 million deal.

There is no other way to put it, Kimbrel’s Cubs debut season was a disaster. A 6.53 ERA, 8.00 FIP, 1.6 WHIP and a career-high nine homers given up in just 20 2/3 innings. He also spent time on the IL so he was not always available even when on the roster. He converted 13/16 saves which is honestly kind of surprising, but the overall numbers are pretty awful.

Here is a guy that honestly should be given the benefit of the doubt for now. Prior to 2019 he was a 1.91 ERA, 1.96 FIP, 0.92 WHIP and 14.7 K/9 pitcher in 542 appearances with 333 saves and a seven-time All Star. Give him a full year with a team with a real spring training against live batters and hopefully have him stay healthy and there is reason to feel good.

The team’s number one priority should be fixing weaknesses if they want to contend in 2020. But if they truly are not going to make a lot of moves or if they do and ride with a lot of these pieces, then seeing bounce back seasons are key to giving the Cubs a chance.