Cubs are betting heavily that Jeremy Jeffress can keep anchoring the pen

Chicago Cubs: Jeffress makes sense for the closer’s job

It has been an incredibly ugly go for Craig Kimbrel as a Cub so far. He had a chance to redeem himself against the Royals with a 5-2 lead, but he got pulled after giving up two hits and getting just one out. Someone else for the time being is going to have to take the ball in save situations.

Other options on the team right now pretty much boil down to Jeffress and Rowan Wick. One could make an argument for either. Wick has the more “closer stuff” right now considering he throws harder and has the nasty curve. Jeffress has much more experience in both later innings and pitching in the majors period. It could be a closer by committee for the time being.

If Jeffress does in fact keep up the good work, he can be relied on to fulfill a number of roles in the bullpen. Especially if the pen as a whole continues to struggle. It helps in a 60-game season he can be used often and not necessarily worry about burnout over 162 games.

It has been fun to see Jeffress on our side so far. It was frustrating to have to face him when he was with Milwaukee, but now the script is flipped. Hope he can keep it up because he is incredibly important for this bullpen.