5 free agent relievers the Chicago Cubs need on their wish list

Chicago Cubs: Top 5 free agent relievers to target – #5: Alex Colome

Alex Colome has generally been a top-shelf reliever for the bulk of his career. Minus 2021 and 2018, Colome has recorded a sub-4.00 ERA every season dating back to 2013. For his career, he sits with a 3.11 ERA and 3.63 FIP and has recorded 155 career saves in the process. In 2017, Colome actually led the league in saves with 47. The year prior he was even better, working to a 1.91 ERA across 56 2/3 frames.

A one-time All-Star, Colome had a down year in 2021 with a 4.15 ERA – which only helps the Cubs in terms of cost-effectiveness. In the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, Colome had a microscopic 0.80 ERA in 22 1/3 innings and 21 appearances. The veteran could serve as a quality setup man or even a potential closer if he can get back to what’s made him successful over the years.

Adding an arm such as Colome gives the Cubs much-needed depth and a veteran presence you can depend on late in a game. The bullpen needs at least one to two strong pieces to once again solidify itself as one of the better bullpens in baseball and Colome would be a great place to start.