Cubs: The best international signings in team history

Chicago Cubs: Saving the game late

4. Carlos Marmol

When the Cubs signed Marmol in 1999, they knew they had a prospect that would eventually become their late reliever/closer. Like Castro, Marmol is also from the Dominican Republic. Another hard-throwing righty that suited up for the Cubs in eight out of his nine seasons in the big leagues.

In those eight eventful years spanning from 2006 to 2013, Marmol struck out 703 batters out of 2,359 he faced throughout the years. Although he doesn’t have an above .500 winning percentage, Marmol was an excellent pitcher in late-game situations. His career 117 saves put him third trailing legends Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith on the record books. Marmol’s career rate of 11.66 strikeouts per nine innings is the best all-time in Cubs history.