Cubs listed among best fits for Carlos Correa, Anthony Rizzo and more

Chicago Cubs need more established bullpen arms heading into this year

Ryan Tepera was masterful during his time with the Cubs. Prior to being dealt to the White Sox, the veteran worked to a 2.80 FIP with a 4.17 strikeout-to-walk ratio, teaming up with Andrew Chafin (another potential reunion target) and Craig Kimbrel early in the year as a formidable bullpen trio.

There’s going to be a wide-ranging market for Tepera’s services this offseason – and it’s not hard to see why. Over the last two seasons, he’s been a reliable bullpen arm, amassing a 3.07 ERA, 2.88 FIP and 11.5 K/9 mark across 86 appearances.

Chicago checks in at #5 on Bowden’s list of best fits here – and other potential landing spots include The White Sox, Astros, Angels, Phillies, Mariners, Red Sox and Giants. Like I said – he’s going to draw a ton of interest from a lot of different teams.

The entire piece is an interesting read. As you can tell, I definitely don’t agree with all of his takes – but he also looks at where former Cubs Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber could land once the lockout ends. The Cubs aren’t done adding – that’s for sure – but I think the Tepera/Villar level is more likely than reunions with Bryant or Rizzo.