The Chicago Cubs are not the best team in baseball anymore. Their recent skid still has the team at the top of the NL Central, but there’s no secret they need to make some adjustments. They might not have the best record in baseball anymore, although they’re not terrible either. Joe Maddon’s team is still one of the prime candidates to win the 2016 World Series.
With that being said, the Cubs must be active in the trade market. They still boast the second-best ERA in the majors at 3.36, and their rotation ranks first with a 3.09 mark. They also rank near the top in innings pitched (fourth), total earned runs allowed (first), home runs allowed (sixth) and strikeouts (third). They might try to trade for a starter, but that would be a luxury more than a need.
The bullpen, however, has been a whole different story. Justin Grimm is not the lock-down reliever he was in 2015. Pedro Strop is hit-or-miss at times. Hector Rondon has blown a couple of saves of late. And no Cubs fan wants to see Clayton Richard again on the mound in a game that matters. The Cubs bullpen ranks 19th in strikeouts, 15th in ERA (3.94) and 13th in home runs allowed. They need reinforcements, and they need them quick.
Luckily for Chicago, lots of bullpen arms might be available near the deadline. Every single team will try to bolster their relief corps, and the Cubs have to look for alternatives. A power arm or a lefty specialist should be at the top of the shopping list.
Most teams will call the Yankees and ask for Andrew Miller, but he’s not the only option available on the market. If we consider LOOGYs, then Chicago could focus on Sean Doolittle (Oakland), Brad Hand (San Diego) or Will Smith (Milwaukee). They are not going to cost as much as Miller, and could fix their problem just as well.
Power arms are easier to find than lefty specialists, and Chicago should have plenty of options to choose from. Former Cub Arodys Vizcaino (Atlanta) could be a decent option, but Smith and Tyler Clippard (Arizona) might fit the bill here. Clippard also has experience in a late-inning role, and recorded 32 saves for the Washington Nationals in 2012.
More teams should join the sellers’ market in the coming weeks, but the Cubs need to start making phone calls right now. They have one of the best rosters in all of baseball, and adding an extra piece or two could be what they need to put them over the top in the NL.