Chicago Cubs: 3 free agent relievers who could make all the difference

While the Cubs should remain players for some bigger position players as well, there’s no reason to ignore the bullpen this winter. Though there were many positive developments in the bullpen, maybe more so than any other spot on the team, there are many relievers that will be on the market that could be had for a fair price and become valuable pieces.

Chicago Cubs: Mychal Givens presents a low-risk, high reward option

Though his 2021 season didn’t end in dominant fashion, Mychal Givens was a solid piece in both the Rockies and Reds bullpens last season. Givens has always been a very good strikeout pitcher, with a career rate of 10.6 per 9, and has a very solid 2.91 SO/W ratio. Those rates dipped a bit below his career averages, as well as having an ugly 1.5 HR/9 in Colorado before his trade, there’s reason to believe he’s worth the gamble.

For one, Givens is likely to be dirt cheap as his value almost certainly decreased over the last two seasons, and the Cubs were rumored to be interested in acquiring the righty when he was still with Baltimore. The veteran was a very underrated and overlooked reliever with the Orioles, and getting him out of two exceedingly hitter-friendly ballparks that he’s been in the last few seasons could potentially pay off in a big way, and give the Cubs a surprisingly useful high-leverage arm.

Chicago Cubs: Pricier, but Collin McHugh would be worth every penny

After struggling in 2019 and not throwing a pitch in 2020, Collin McHugh signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and underwent a career renaissance. McHugh was nothing short of dominant in his short tenure with the Rays, sporting just a 1.55 ERA, a K/9 in the double digits for just the second time in his career (10.4), just a 1.7 BB/9, and a minuscule HR/9 of 0.4.

The Rays got the most they could’ve out of McHugh, and now he’ll likely cash out in a big way, and the Cubs would be foolish to not kick the tires. He’s likely to get a somewhat pricey deal, which could be scary for a 34-year-old reliever, but it’s hard to argue that it wouldn’t be worth it. The Cubs stated they want to spend money intelligently this winter, and McHugh would be a perfect signing to solidify the backend of the bullpen.

McHugh may not be on the Cubs’ priority list, as they may want to spend big money on starters this offseason, but it would be foolish to not have an interest. The Naperville native truly elevated his game this past season, and if the team wants a bonafide closer that could be within their price range, McHugh could be that guy.

Otherwise, there’s plenty of other solid relief options that won’t fetch top dollar that Hoyer should be monitoring, and it’ll be important to try and hit on these signings.