3 under the radar free agent reliever options for the Cubs

3 under the radar bullpen options for the Cubs: #1 – Carlos Estévez

Much like Charlie Sheen’s “Wild Thing” Vaughn from Major League, this Carlos Estévez can pump the velocity on the fastball. Averaging 97-98 MPH on the heater, with a slider and offspeed pitch, Estévez put up some solid numbers in 2022. He pitched to a 3.47 ERA, 4.08 FIP, 1.2 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 57 innings last season.

One could look at the overall career numbers and not be blown away, but remember…Coors Field. He has spent his entire MLB career in a Rockies uniform, and in 158 games away from Denver, he sports a career 3.51 ERA, 9.5 K/9 and 1.3 WHIP.

It would be nice to have a veteran arm that can bring some velocity. He would not necessarily be a high-leverage guy, but a bullpen depth piece that potentially brings solid strikeout numbers.

There are some bigger names on the reliever free agent market, including Kenley Jansen. However these types of guys will come cheaper than him. The Cubs do not need to build the entire pen out of free agents, luckily.