Chicago Cubs News: Bullpen rumors, waivers update, and more

While the Chicago Cubs likely do not have any major additions in the works for the remainder of the offseason, the team may not be done. In talking about how the Cubs have added credibility to their roster this offseason, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic highlighted the areas that the Cubs may address before the start of the season.

"The Cubs aren’t done yet. Adding a late-inning reliever with some closing experience would make a lot of sense. Perhaps there’s a veteran hitter still out there who could fill a specific role off the bench. The only offseason grade is incomplete until the Cubs start playing real games again."

Patrick Mooney via The Athletic

Of the relievers that the Cubs have been linked to, Mooney mentioned the following left-handed pitchers specifically.

"Jed Hoyer’s front office hasn’t stopped looking for ways to upgrade the bullpen, and there’s still a group of left-handed relievers available on the free-agent market that includes Matt Moore, Brad Hand, Andrew Chafin, Zack Britton and Caleb Smith"

Patrick Mooney via The Athletic

Moore and Chafin had previously been linked to the Cubs and of the two, Chafin may be a clear fit for what the Cubs are looking for. Britton has struggled to stay healthy over the course of the past two seasons but would fit the mold of a previous closer that the Cubs look to add and rehabilitate.

Manny Rodriguez and Anthony Kay clear waivers

Being that this is the first time that each pitcher has been outrighted in their career, they are forced to accept the assignment to Triple-A Iowa. Both Rodriguez and Kay have the potential to be middle relief arms at the Major League level with some tweaking to their mechanics.

Chicago Cubs sign catcher Luis Torrens to a minor-league deal

Unlike the previous moves that the Cubs have made at the catcher position this offseason, Torren is considered to be a bat-first catcher. Torrens, along with Dom Nunez, give the Cubs some added depth at Triple-A Iowa this season and will represent as much-needed insurance in the event that there is an injury to either Yan Gomes or Tucker Barnhart at the Major League level.

Nico Hoerner spotted at Chicago Cubs camp in Arizona