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

The Chicago Cubs are in desperate need of bullpen solutions as the group is now among the worst in the league. However, a designated closing pitcher would go a long way in helping secure victories in close games. There are not many options since veteran offseason additions like Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger have not panned out but the revolving carousel of closers is clearly not working. There are a few avenues the team has not tried yet that could stick if manager David Ross decides to try it out. Here are a few options the Cubs have to find a closer for their ailing bullpen.

1. Adbert Alzolay

Right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay has been one of the shining spots in the bullpen this year, with a 1.99 ERA and a stellar WHIP of 0.84 in 22.2 innings pitched. He has one of the best sliders on the team and his fastball tops out at 97 mph so he is a logical choice to at least try out in a save situation. So far this season, Alzolay has appeared in the 9th inning just twice all year, and he retired every batter he faced without giving up a walk, hit, or run.

The final game against the Astros on Wednesday would have been a prime opportunity, where Ross opted to use Alzolay in the seventh inning and Keegan Thompson in the 9th with a three-run lead. That lead was erased almost immediately when Thompson surrendered a single, home run and walk to the three batters he faced. I'm not saying Alzolay will be a lockdown closer in these situations, but you have to try giving him and others a look in those spots if you want to solve this problem.

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.

3. Corey Knebel

The only outside option on this list is former all-star closer Corey Knebel. Last year, Knebel signed a 1-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies and he tossed 44.2 innings to the tune of a 3.43 ERA. More importantly, Knebel collected 12 saves in 16 opportunities for the World Series runner-up. Knebel has been a successful closer in the past, and he is currently on the free agent market.

That is the worrying part because virtually every team always needs extra arms and if a guy like Knebel is still out there unsigned, it means something is amiss. Especially because he is only 31 years old and coming off a good year. There must be a reason why teams have steered clear of him, and perhaps the answer is he is asking for too much money. The Phillies gave him $10 million last year, and that is just an unrealistic price to pay a guy like him who could end up not coming through. But if his asking price comes down significantly perhaps the Cubs should explore his services.

4. Jeremiah Estrada

One of the guys with the highest ceilings in the entire Cubs system is right-hander Jeremiah Estrada. With a blazing fastball in the upper 90s and a slider that ranks among the best on the team, Estrada is projected to be a long-term bullpen weapon. So far this season, Estrada has been called up twice and been utilized just four times. He has yet to surrender a run in 5.1 innings and has collected 9 strikeouts. For the Iowa Cubs this year, Estrada has also dealt at a high level with a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings. I don't think the 24-year-old has been given the opportunity to showcase his full potential yet and he needs to get some more high-leverage looks with others struggling.