Chicago Cubs News: Grading the team's offseason additions

Brad Boxberger: B+

Boxberger brings a veteran presence to a very young Cubs bullpen. In his last two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Boxberger tossed 128 innings and struck out 151 batters. The 34-year-old also came cheap on his one-year $2.8 million deal. With many gaps to fill and no clear solutions in the bullpen, Boxberger will likely be utilized in a set-up role or even be given closing duties down the line.

Michael Fulmer: B+

Like Boxberger, Fulmer is another solid veteran arm that will slot into the back of the bullpen nicely. David Ross has said he does not have a dedicated closer in mind, but Fulmer will likely be in the mix to emerge as that 9th-inning guy. Initially a starter, Fulmer was converted to a bullpen guy after struggling to consistently start games in 2018 in 2020. His transition to the bullpen has been seamless, however. Over the last two seasons, Fulmer has tossed 120 innings with a 2.98 ERA and 127 strikeouts while playing for Minnesota and Detroit. In 2021, Fulmer also collected 14 saves in 18 opportunities.