Bullpen options to address major need on Chicago Cubs holiday shopping list

Lefties

While not an end-all-be-all to only have two lefties in Luke Little and Rob “Friday” Zastryzny, it wouldn’t hurt to try and pursue another. Tanner Scott clearly stands out among the most coveted candidates. Also an all-star in 2024, Scott earned 22 saves across his time with both the Marlins and Padres. Opposing hitters don’t do much against him as he limited offenses to a .528 OBP over the past two seasons. What makes him really shine though is that he’s only allowed 3 of his 41 inherited runners to score in that timeframe. Run prevention is the name of the game and Scott simply does not let it happen on his watch.

Similarly to Scott, Danny Coulombe also shuts down innings quite well, allowing 13 of 70 inherited runners to score since 2021. A steady change of pace for the Cubs, Coulombe simply doesn’t walk very many batters. However, he has struggled to stay off the injured list during that stretch, he is currently recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow. This type of option seems to line up quite well with Jed Hoyer’s history of buying low on guys making injury recoveries or career resurgences.

Another back-end lefty option is longtime Braves southpaw A.J. Minter. A steady staple piece to Atlanta’s bullpen, Minter has maintained a dependable 3.28 ERA across eight seasons with the team and has experience in both closing and set-up roles, amassing 30 holds and 11 saves the past two seasons. He also comes with injury baggage as he spent two stints on the injured list in 2024 due to left hip inflammation.

Other left-handed candidates include Matt Moore and former North Siders Brooks Raley and Andrew Chafin.