Cubs Rumors: Team among 'top suitors' for free agent closer Tanner Scott

Addressing a need in the backend of the bullpen has been a box that the Chicago Cubs have needed to check in each of the past two seasons.

While not adding a legitimate closer for the 2023 season can be discarded due to the team entering the season with more hope than expectation that they would be a postseason contender, failing to do so for the 2024 team is something that needs to be held against Jed Hoyer. Sure, Hoyer signed Hector Neris but there were signs in Neris' 2023 performance that would speak to the struggles he had with the Cubs last season.

That is why, as the offseason is nearing a close, there is added pressure on the Cubs to add a legitimate closer to the back of their bullpen.

Along those lines, Jon Morosi of MLB Network lists the Cubs among the top suitors for free-agent closer Tanner Scott. Adding a level of urgency to Morosi's reporting was his suggestion that Scott could sign by the end of the weekend.

Scott is the top closer on the free-agent market this offseason, with some reports suggesting he could be in line for a deal worth $80MM for four years. Splitting the 2024 season with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA in 72 appearances last season while securing 22 saves. With a career strikeout percentage of 30.4%, Scott would be the closer that the Cubs have desperately lacked in their bullpen over recent seasons.

Signing Scott would show a level of urgency from Jed Hoyer that far exceeded his trading for Kyle Tucker last month. Spending heavily on free-agent relief pitchers is something that Hoyer hasn't been shy about avoiding. In a season where the Cubs need to reach the postseason, the time is now for Hoyer to make moves that make him uncomfortable. Signing Scott fits that description.