3. RHP Brad Boxberger: Mutual Option
Reliever Brad Boxberger has been sidelined most of the year with a forearm strain. Until this week, Boxberger hadn't pitched a game since May 13th and he was not good prior to going on the IL. Maybe that was just the injury, but his 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings was pretty ugly.
Even though the veteran reliever has turned in two scoreless outings since his return, his mutual option for next year should not be exorcised by the Cubs. At 35 years old, Boxberger's best years are probably behind him and his efforts are really not worth a $5 million payday from the Cubs.
The organization is pumping out pitchers at a high rate and there are plenty of other relievers hitting the market that would be a better fit for the Cubs like Reynaldo Lopez or Jordan Hicks.