The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen has to show up in 2020

The Chicago Cubs’ did not have a closer

Going into 2019, the Cubs needed a real closer that they did not have on the roster. It was closer by committee to start the year and it did not work. As they blew multiple saves opportunities during the first few months of the season. Then they went out and signed All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel hoping he would be the answer to the problem and we all know how that turned out.

Heading into 2020, the Cubs will need a few guys to bounce back, starting with  Kimbrel. Kimbrel was not good in his unusual 2019 season as he was not signed until the beginning of June and didn’t make his first appearance in an MLB game until the end of June. He posted a 6.53 ERA in 23 appearances, not like him at all.

“Summer Camp” didn’t get off to the way Kimbrel was looking for either has he gave up a home run to Willson Contreras in his first outing. Kimbrel did talk about how he felt good and was working more on throwing his changeup more. The Cubs have to have him bounce back in 2020 to have a chance to get back where they are looking to be.

Jeremy Jeffress was signed by the Cubs this past offseason and is another guy they are looking to have a bounce-back season. Jeffress struggled in 2019 because of a shoulder injury that sidelined him for part of the season. In 2018 though, Jeffress was one of the best relievers in all of baseball, posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 15 saves.