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3 needs the Chicago Cubs still have to cross off their wish list - Relief pitchers
One of the biggest regrets that Jed Hoyer had over the construction of the 2023 roster was the lack of stability in the bullpen. Hoyer was hoping to find luck with the signings of Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger but injuries and ineffectiveness plagued each veteran from the start of the season.
There were diamonds in the rough that emerged out of the Cubs' bullpen last season with Adbert Alzolay showing he is capable of closing out games while Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr were effective bridge options to get to Alzolay.
The issue is that there was an over-reliance on Alzolay, Merryweather, and Leiter last season. The Cubs need stability in the middle innings and that must be addressed before the start of the season. Potential targets Josh Hader and Robert Stephenson are no longer options but the Cubs remain interested in several veterans.