3 pitchers who will compete to be the Chicago Cubs closer

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.

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.

2. Brandon Hughes

Hughes has had an interesting journey. He was an outfielder until 2019 when he was converted into a lefty specialist with a sweeping slider. He was relatively unknown until he made his big league debut at Wrigley Field last May in the same game where Christopher Morel homered in his first Major League at-bat. Hughes came out of the bullpen to strike out all five batters he faced that night, which wound up being a sign of things to come as he became one of David Ross's most reliable relievers last season.

In 57 appearances, the 27-year-old southpaw struck out 68 men to the tune of a 3.12 ERA. He even saw enough success to start getting the call late in games, as he collected 8 holds and 8 saves in 12 opportunities. The only reason he probably won't be the named closer to start the season is the fact he is the only left-handed relief pitcher currently on the Cubs' 40-man roster. When Kyle Hendricks returns from his shoulder injury, perhaps Drew Smyly will slide into the bullpen in a long lefty relief role. But Smyly is looking like a back-of-the-rotation option right now.

It would be nice if the Cubs could sign another lefty like Matt Moore or Andrew Chafin to back up Hughes. As things stand, Hughes could end up closing out a few ball games if the injury bug hits the bullpen.