3 pitchers who will compete to be the Chicago Cubs closer

Colorado Rockies v Chicago Cubs
Colorado Rockies v Chicago Cubs / Matt Dirksen/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

Although the Chicago Cubs have arguably improved more than any other team during this offseason, their bullpen still has many question marks as opening day approaches. The team has plenty of arms at its disposal, but there is no clear answer for who will be closing games when the season starts in March. Codi Heuer could be an option down the stretch, but his Tommy John recovery will likely leave him sidelined until June or July.

With the 40 man at capacity, a roster crunch is already underway and the Cubs haven't even added another lefty yet. There is limited sports available, meaning there will be a competitive race in March to make the opening day roster. Here are a few pitchers currently on the roster that could emerge as back of the bullpen options and compete for the closing role in Spring Training.

Brad Boxberger
New York Mets v Milwaukee Brewers / Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

1. Brad Boxberger

The newest member of the Cubs pitching staff Brad Boxberger brings a veteran presence to the young Cubs bullpen. The 34-year-old is coming off a prosperous season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he sported a 2.95 ERA across 64 innings while striking out 68 batters. During his eleven-season career, Boxberger has amassed a career ERA of 3.44 with six different teams. Although he has had more success as a set-up man, Boxberger has closing experience and he has collected 82 saves in his career. If he proves he can still bring it, the Cubs may lean on that experience in the initial weeks of the season to lock down close ball games.