Chicago Cubs: Good guy Pedro Strop is making a difference at the holidays

Pedro Strop should go down as one of the most underrated, under appreciated players in Chicago Cubs history. A throw-in piece of the Jake Arrieta trade with the Baltimore Orioles, the right-hander’s name is littered throughout team record books when it comes to relievers.

Over eight seasons (including a pair of appearances in 2021), Strop worked to a 2.88 ERA, 3.19 FIP,  1.053 WHIP and 10.3 K/9, amassing 413 outings in the process. His proclivity for working out of jams in tight spots helped anchor the Cubs bullpen for the better part of a decade.

Outside of what he did on the mound, Strop has always been a fun-loving, incredibly generous human being – involved in the community in Chicago and back home in the Dominican Republic. Clearly, that hasn’t changed, either, with Strop hard at work this holiday season.

Strop turns 37 in June and his a free agent right now. He’s staying fresh, though, pitching in the Dominican Winter League. Once the lockout ends, there’s a solid chance a team gives him a look on a minor league deal if he’s interested – especially given how that signature slider is looking of late.

Chicago Cubs: Pedro Strop deserves far more recognition than he’s received yet

People don’t care about those mid-to-late-inning firemen these days. It’s all about closers, saves and who gets the final out. But without Strop and what he brought to the Cubs during their recent run of success, that bullpen would have looked wildly different.

He ranks sixth in franchise history in appearances, and you don’t get that many chances without having the faith of your manager. Strop proved himself time and time again and while his Cubs career is likely over, it’s safe to say memories of him, hat angled to the left, pounding his chest after a big strikeout will live rent-free in our heads for years to come.