5 options the Chicago Cubs have for the closer role in the bullpen

2. Codi Heuer

This is not the ideal option, and probably an unrealistic idea, but Codi Heuer's services are desperately needed in the bullpen whether he is the closer or not. Heuer was acquired from the White Sox alongside Nick Madrigal at the 2021 trade deadline in the Craig Kimbrel trade. He was projected to be a large part of the bullpen, amassing a 3.14 ERA in 28 innings with the Cubs in 2022 before going down with an injury that required Tommy John surgery. Now he is nearing a return to a struggling Cubs bullpen and he has already made four rehab appearances for the Iowa Cubs. Maybe a couple of weeks of big league work is needed to assess whether Heuer can handle a true closer role, but he will soon be an option nonetheless.