Ranking 5 internal candidates to replace Adbert Alzolay as the Cubs closer

2. I'm letting myself believe Keegan Thompson is once again a dude

Maybe it's the mustache that's driving his renaissance performance in 2024, but Keegan Thompson is very much looking like the guy who turned heads back in 2021 and 2022 as a potential future closer.

His numbers were never eye-popping, but when he was on, he was untouchable - and that's a good way to describe Thompson in his three appearances since joining the big league club. In six scoreless innings, the right-hander has struck out nine, walked just two and is yet to allow a base hit.

The walk rate could improve, sure, but he's striking out over 42% of the batters he's facing and, while he isn't yet qualified due to innings totals, Thompson's Baseball Savant page is red-hot. He ranks near the top of the league in xERA, xBA, whiff rate, chase rate and several other metrics.

Who do I want closing games? A guy who misses bats. Someone hitters aren't seeing well. A pitcher like Thompson, who seems rejuvenated and ready to re-establish himself as a key Cubs reliever.