Three Cubs' offseason predictions after the Dansby Swanson signing

Prediction #3 - Cubs sign veteran lefty reliever

As it sits, the Chicago Cubs have just one lefty reliever in Brandon Hughes. Though Hughes is considered a vital piece of the bullpen moving forward, one southpaw is not enough. The Cubs need to add another for match-up purposes. Preferably, a veteran that can mentor Hughes and help him ultimately break out in 2023. The Cubs are close to re-signing Drew Smyly and could use him in relief, but he serves a better role as a second lefty in the starting rotation that had only recently boasted Justin Steele.

Among the names available, Cubs fan favorite Andrew Chafin comes to mind. There is also both Brad Hand and Will Smith that could bring some much-needed help. With Codi Heuer returning and the signing of Brad Boxberger, the back end of the bullpen will be in good shape once the Cubs ink another lefty opposite of Hughes. Of course, as it sits now, the bullpen is currently littered with about five pitchers who all serve multi-inning roles. Besides Hughes, Heuer and Boxberger, the Cubs already have 13 pitchers on their 26-man roster. This also ties back to the Cubs needing to trade for a starter. Should that happen, signing a lefty reliever becomes much more plausible.