Cubs Rumors: Three closers to pursue at the trade deadline

Red Sox closer Brandon Workman may be on the table

The Boston Red Sox have struggled mightily due to a significant lack of quality pitching. The good news about their collapse, however, is that they may be more likely to part with closer Brandon Workman, the one major bright spot on their staff. He started closing after Kimbrel left after the 2018 season, and, since then, he’s taken his pitching to a whole new level.

Workman pitched to a stellar 1.88 ERA and recorded 16 saves in his breakout campaign. His biggest strength, however, came in his ability to limit home runs in a year where the ball was flying out of the park at a ludicrous rate, posting a 0.1 HR9 in 71 2/3 innings. He looks to be on a similar pace again this year, but with Boston in an even worse situation at the bottom of their division, he’s likely to be on the move for a good offer.

He’s likely to be a hot commodity during the deadline and, as such, will likely be a more costly option if the Chicago Cubs decide to trade for him, but he’s shown he has absolute lights out stuff with Boston. Even in previous years, Workman’s performed solidly enough, and his career numbers are nothing to scoff at. Moreover, he could be a prioritized target for the Cubs due to his connection with manager David Ross.

Workman will be a free agent after the 2020 season, meaning the Cubs would have him as a rental, which should lower his trade value somewhat. I’m not entirely sure what Boston will ask for in exchange for him, but it’s likely nothing that the team shouldn’t consider given his talents.