3 ways the Chicago Cubs can reinvest the savings from trading Cody Bellinger

2. Add more proven bullpen arms

Relief pitching should also be an area of focus to shore up the bullpen. MLB Network's Jon Morosi confirmed as much on Wednesday and said the are looking at the free-agent reliever market specifically.

A proven left-handed reliever has been a need for the Cubs for years at this point, and this free agency class features several viable options. Former Atlanta Brave A.J. Minter would be an excellent target since he is only 31 years old and has an impeccable record of success (career 3.28 ERA over eight seasons). Minter is more than just a lefty specialist since he is more than capable of handling right-handed bats. This would give the Cubs a solid set-up man who can close out some games if needed.

I don't expect the Cubs to be in on the Tanner Scott sweepstakes, who is the best reliever on the market. Scott's numbers have been incredible over the last two years (combined 7.6 WAR) and he would instantly project to be the Cubs' closing pitcher. But he is a bit pricey, likely looking for a three-year deal in the $40-$50 million range. The Cubs are typically not a team that gives long-term deals to relievers given the volatility of the position.

The last time the Cubs front office committed to a reliever was when they signed Craig Kimbrel to a three-year $43 million deal in 2019. Theo Epstein was still in charge at that time and the move backfired pretty significantly. Kimbrel only began producing in the final year of his deal in 2021, and he was eventually traded to the White Sox for Codi Heuer and Nick Madrigal.

I don't see Jed Hoyer making another risky deal like that so Scott may be off the table. A shorter-term deal for a guy like Kirby Yates or Carlos Estevez could make sense. Yates has been a rumored target for the Cubs and he would give the bullpen much-needed experience and potentially a solid closing option.

Two more bullpen arms seem like the right number and I would anticipate Hoyer trying to keep the price tag below $20 million for future bullpen additions.