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

3 righty reliever targets - 1. Craig Kimbrel

Speaking of former Cubs closers, we come to the everso-unpredictable Craig Kimbrel. Let's keep in mind that the last year and a half hasn't been great for Kimbrel, but while he was with the Cubs before being traded to the Chicago White Sox, he posted a ridiculous 0.49 ERA in 39 appearances. The former eight-time all-star and former Rookie of the Year's FIP also just sat at 1.10, showing how dominant he truly was during that stretch, as he went on to represent the Cubs in the 2021 All-Star Game at Coors Field.

Since that time, however, Kimbrel stumbled on the south side of Chicago. So much so that on April 1, after the Sox picked up his option, they traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in return for A.J. Pollock. Kimbrel went on to post a slightly below-league-average ERA mark of 3.75. He was left off the NLDS roster come playoff time after losing his closer role in September. It must be said that after his demotion, Kimbrel wound up not allowing a run in his final six appearances of 2022. The final three of which he recorded 6 punchouts and only allowed one hit. Should Kimbrel find his resurgence, he was at an elite level towards the end of his tenure with the Cubs. A one-year deal hardly poses many risks and can be a solid flyer option for Chicago this winter. Either way, the Cubs need a veteran, and Kimbrel could find it again and dominate once more.