Chicago Cubs Rumors: Bullpen believed to be next target

There is no question that the Chicago Cubs have upgraded the position players on their roster from what they had on the field during the 2022 season. Center fielder Cody Bellinger, first baseman Eric Hosmer, and shortstop Dansby Swanson (with Nico Hoerner sliding over to second base and representing a significant upgrade at the position) have all presented the Cubs with better options in comparison to their counterparts at their respective positions last season.

With the signing of Hosmer, it seems unlikely that the Cubs will make another impact acquisition in terms of adding a position player but that doesn't mean that the team is done making moves this offseason. In his latest for The Athletic, former Major League Baseball general manager Jim Bowden provided insight into what the Cubs are looking to do next.

"Cubs — bullpen depth The Cubs rebuilt up the middle with the acquisitions of center fielder Cody Bellinger, shortstop Dansby Swanson and catcher Tucker Barnhart. They’ve improved their rotation with the signings of Jameson Taillon and Drew Smyly. Their latest addition is veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer. Overall, they’ve had a strong offseason. Next up: adding bullpen depth."

- Jim Bowden, The Athletic

The only acquisition that the Cubs have made at the Major League level to their bullpen this offseason was the signing of veteran reliever Brad Boxberger and claiming left-handed relief pitcher Anthony Kay off waivers. The Cubs have also made a plethora of minor-league signings with lefties Roenis Elias and Ryan Borucki being two names that could have an upside for the team.

Looking over the current state of the Cubs' bullpen, it is clear that the team lacks a late-inning left-handed reliever to pair with Brandon Hughes and a closer. It seems that the Cubs prefer Boxberger to serve as the team's right-handed setup man. One name that remains on the free-agent market and has closing experience is Andrew Chafin. Chafin, who become a fan favorite with the Cubs during his stint with the team between 2020-2021, could be the left-handed reliever that the Cubs target for the backend of their bullpen.