Cubs turn to former nemesis in latest attempt to solve bullpen woes

Jordan Campbell

Pittsburgh Pirates v New York Mets / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

The Chicago Cubs are turning to a former foe as they look for answers in their bullpen. After being designated for assignment by the New York Mets, Génesis Cabrera is signing a deal with the Chicago Cubs. Cubs fans will be familiar with Cabrera as he spent the first five and a half seasons of his Major League career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cabrera found himself in a similar position to Tyson Miller last season. Miller was the victim of a roster crunch with the Seattle Mariners before the Cubs added him in-season. Miller would prove to be one of the more reliable relievers in the Cubs' bullpen last season.

Cubs bolster bullpen, sign Génesis Cabrera

With the Mets this season, Cabrera was in a similar situation. With the Mets' pitching staff getting healthier, Cabrera was the odd man out. In 6 appearances with the Mets this season, Cabrera posted a 3.52 ERA. Cabrera does add velocity to the Cubs' bullpen with a fastball that can sit in the mid-to-upper 90s.

With the calendar just about ready to flip to June, now is the time that Jed Hoyer will likely turn to external solutions to provide stability to the bullpen.

With Porter Hodge not progressing in the way the Cubs were hoping after suffering an oblique strain, Craig Counsell has turned to Daniel Palencia as the team's closer. Brad Keller has also emerged as a dependable high-leverage reliever, and Drew Pomeranz has also been an encouraging surprise, along with Caleb Thielbar. After that, however, the Cubs seem to be hoping that Ryan Pressly can figure out his inconsistency rather than expecting it. If not, Cabrera gives the Cubs another veteran in their bullpen who has had success at the Major League level.

You won't have to look far for the corresponding roster move to add Cabrera to the 26-man roster. Brooks Kriske will likely be the one on his way out once Cabrera is officially added.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.