Chicago Cubs Rumors: 3 right-handed reliever targets in free agency

The Chicago Cubs have been connected to several key players this winter to help bolster both the starting rotation and the lineup moving forward. The third piece of that puzzle is assembling a top-notch bullpen moving forward. Clearly, the most important part of free agency is landing those big fish that move the needle the most toward contention, but picking up guys that can eat up innings in big spots is quietly just as important.

Thankfully, there are several key names in the free-agent reliever department this winter. Guys that have great experience and have put up very solid numbers throughout their careers. The Cubs will need to land at least one to further fortify their bullpen for next season. Preferably, someone that can come in and has the experience to close games in big spots. Let's take a look at three righty relievers, some former Cubs, who the organization should have on their radar this winter.

3 righty reliever targets - 3. Kenley Jansen

After Jansen's one-year, 16MM contract with the Braves expired, he is once again set to hit free agency this winter. In Atlanta, Jansen wasn't quite able to capture the revitalized magic he saw in Los Angeles in 2021 where he posted a 2.22 ERA, a mark of sub-3.00 that he hadn't earned since 2017. In Atlanta, he wound up with a 3.38 ERA while recording a National League-leading 41 saves in the process. Moving forward, the Cubs would be apt to add the future Hall of Famer to their bullpen.

Though we know the Cubs need a lefty veteran presence, there is still nothing wrong with adding Jansen, who you'd imagine would see some success in the NL Central. When one guy can still slam the door shut and help his team secure a victory in 25% of games played, it goes to show just how valuable he can still be even if he isn't recording an ERA in the 1.00s or 2.00s. We already know the Cubs have been connected with the Wasserman Agency in the past regarding Seiya Suzuki last season and now Kodai Senga this year. Perhaps, while they're at it, they can negotiate a deal for Jansen as well.

3 righty reliever targets - 2. David Robertson

This is one of those moves I personally would love to see the Cubs pull off. In a non-competitive 2022, the Cubs traded David Robertson to the Phillies in return for Ben Brown, who is now one of the team's top pitching prospects. In an ultimate sort of flip Robertson to strengthen the farm move, the Cubs are now in a position to reacquire Roberson in free agency after posting a stellar season, both with the Cubs and the Phillies.

When traded at the deadline, Robertson had recorded 20 saves to the tune of a 2.23 ERA. He then went on to Philly where he further excelled with a 2.70 and 6 saves, finishing the 2022 campaign with a 2.70 ERA and 20 saves in total. For his career, Robertson has an impressive 2.89 ERA. He was fantastic for the Cubs last year and there is no reason the Cubs shouldn't get after their former closer once again.