Eyeing bullpen help, Cubs targeting reunion for Craig Counsell

The Chicago Cubs left the Winter Meetings with the only official move made being the selection of third baseman Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers' organization on Wednesday.

While that was the only move of record for the Cubs, it seems that the team has set the stage for what could be an eventful couple of days. The Cubs are believed to be trying to work out the financials of a trade that would send Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, setting the stage for their more impactful move, acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.

As the Cubs wait for those dominoes to fall, the team remains in the market for bullpen help. The latest from the Cubs' beat reporters for The Athletic (Subscription Required) point to the team providing manager Craig Counsell with a familiar face on his pitching staff. After being non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers last month, the Cubs are targeting left-handed relief pitcher Hoby Milner for their bullpen.

The Cubs have lacked an established left-handed reliever in their bullpen over the last couple of seasons, depending on Mark Leiter Jr.'s reverse splits to get left-handed hitters out in high-leverage situations. Leiter was traded to the New York Yankees at the Trade Deadline this past season.

Milner has spent the last four seasons with the Brewers. In 61 appearances out of the Brewers' bullpen last season, Milner posted a 4.73 ERA. In his career, left-handed hitters are slashing .225/.280/.349 against Milner.

Given the spending strategy that Jed Hoyer's front office has with veteran relievers, Milner certainly checks the box of the type of reliever the Cubs woould be interested in. Beyond Milner. the Cubs have also been linked to Andrew Chafin and Kyle Finnegan in recent weeks as the team looks to add to their staple of late-inning relievers.