Questions and concerns regarding the Chicago Cubs bullpen

Concern/Question #2: Who is the closer?

This has been a real rollercoaster. Early on the closer role was more or less Michael Fulmer's job, until several blown saves and blowup against the Dodgers in a tie game in the ninth got him yanked from higher-leverage spots. Fulmer has 16 strikeouts in 11.1 innings, but nine earned runs and five walks along with that.

The other logical option was going to a guy with closer experience in Brad Boxberger. The 35-year-old veteran righty has a solid resume overall but has had an interesting start to this season. He sports a 3.60 ERA, 1.2 WHIP and 8.1 K/9 which does not seem awful but not superb. However, the six walks in 10 innings coupled with a 6.25 FIP is a bit nerve-wracking. He has had to grind his way and get defensive help in some of his outings. You want a closer to more or less dominate. Can he be trusted in that spot? Time will tell, hopefully, he finds what he has last year in Milwaukee.

There's the speculation from observers that guys like Brandon Hughes (your only lefty), Adbert Alzolay or Keegan Thompson could play in that role. Hughes has shown some nasty stuff so far, but he is good to have against lefties along with Mark Leiter Jr. Thompson's results have been good, but the strikeout numbers are lower (7.4 K/9) and the 11 walks in 14.2 innings are...scary. Alzolay has looked very solid and can miss bats, but he is useful to have when taking over for a starting pitcher who leaves the game.

This is why right now there is no slam-dunk answer other than either going off resume or the hot hand.