Winter Meetings chatter ties Cubs to surprise All-Star bullpen upgrade

After the Chicago Cubs signed Phil Maton to a multi-year deal last month, reports confirmed that the team remained in the market for another high-leverage arm. Ryan Helsley was someone the Cubs were connected to before he signed with the Baltimore Orioles, but as the Winter Meetings get underway, the North Siders may be eyeing another All-Star closer.

Francys Romero, who reported the Cubs' interest in Eugenio Suarez over the weekend, reports that Chicago is exploring the free-agent market for closers, specifically giving mention to Robert Suarez. While Suarez should land a contract worth less than what Edwin Diaz will get, earning an All-Star selection in each of the last two seasons will all but guarantee him a multi-year deal with a high AAV.

Robert Suarez will provide a definitive end to the Cubs' search for a revamped bullpen.

The impression is that the Cubs will add one more established relief pitcher to their bullpen before turning minor-league invites, hoping to find success as they did with Brad Keller last season. Ryne Stanek is another relief pitcher the Cubs have been linked to at the winter meetings, and signing him would undoubtedly be cheaper than Suarez.

Considering the Cubs already went out of their comfort zone to sign Maton earlier this offseason, it's hard to see them being the top bidder for Suarez. Especially when the Cubs have yet to check the box of adding a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher this offseason.

In a world where they are willing to make another exception, Suarez would be one of the best choices. Cheaper than Diaz, he posted an ERA of 2.97 while striking out nearly 28% of the hitters he faced. With a fastball also capable of reaching triple digits, the 34-year-old reliever would provide Craig Counsell with an established closer at the backend of his bullpen.

A bullpen that includes Suarez, Maton, and Daniel Palencia would certainly have the makings of being one of the better units in the National League. Not to mention, it would likely give the Cubs more comfort in their goal of turning Ben Brown into a bullpen ace.