Cubs should be racing for reunion just made possible by the latest exit from the Reds roster

Not that Jed Hoyer and Co. are ever not looking for additional pitching depth, but the injuries the Chicago Cubs have suffered to their pitching through the first month of the season have added a level of urgency to that search. If there's available, no matter who it is, the Cubs' front office is going to think about making a pursuit.

The Cincinnati Reds may have just afforded the Cubs an ideal opportunity. Now is typically the time that veterans on minor-league deals exercise opt-out clauses, and the Reds just experienced that with Andrew Chafin. Chafin opted out of his deal with the Reds and is now a free agent.

With the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, Chafin posted a 0.96 ERA through his first 10 appearances. Given the success, it stands to reason that teams in need of pitching would have an eye on the 35-year-old veteran.

Chafin was with the Cubs during the tail end of the 2020 season and really became a fan favorite on the North Side in 2021. He posted a 2.06 ERA with the Cubs in 43 appearances in 2021 and was traded to the Athletics in a deal that included Daniel Palencia.

The timing may finally be right for the Cubs to reunite with Andrew Chafin.

Chafin has become somewhat of a journeyman since his time with the Cubs. He's had stops with the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, and the Texas Rangers. He's routinely been available in trade talks at the deadline. Chafin's constant presence on the free-agent market has often led to speculation that the Cubs may have interest in a reunion, but the timing never seemed right.

That may no longer be the case. With injuries to Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, and Riley Martin, the Cubs need established options in the bullpen. Outside of Hoby Milner, the only other left-handed option the Cubs currently have in the bullpen is Ryan Rolison.

Cubs fans have been lazy when it comes to the idea of the team reuniting with a former beloved player, but there are baseball reasons why Hoyer should have interest in Chafin. He's a more stable option than Rolison or Corbin Martin, and that is the lowest bar the Cubs are looking to clear while they wait for their pitching staff to get healthy.

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