The Chicago Cubs are one of the most disappointing teams in Major League Baseball this season. Their bullpen is a key reason for that failure.
Entering play Thursday, the Cubs sit at 59-63. They trail the Atlanta Braves by six full games for the National League's final playoff spot. ESPN's projections currently give them a 3.2% shot at the playoffs.
After Adbert Alzolay stabilized the closer role in 2023, the Cubs have had no one who can consistently get the last three outs in 2024. Alzolay was ineffective before suffering a seaon-ending injury, and Hector Neris has been only marginally better.
The Cubs need a real closer if they want to make it back to October in 2025. One writer believes they will land one in free agency.
One very prominent closer who will be available is 2024 All-Star Tanner Scott, currently of the San Diego Padres. Michael Brakebill of FanSided predicted on Thursday that the Cubs will land Scott in the 2025 free-agent sweepstakes.
"The Chicago Cubs primarily are not in a playoff spot due to the 21 blown saves in 45 opportunities they have accumulated on the season," Brakebill said. "Given how strong their starting rotation is, look for the team to improve their bullpen this winter."
Scott, who turned 30 last month, is sure to be one of the top names among team searching for bullpen help in 2025. He has a sparkling 1.38 ERA for the season, with 62 strikeouts in 52.1 innings.
Though he mostly serves in a setup role for San Diego in front of closer Robert Suárez, Scott has experience as a closer the past two seasons for the Miami Marlins. He is 31-for-37 in save opportunities since the start of 2023.
Chicago would be wise to add Scott to the bullpen for a reasonable price in 2025. But what that price might be, and how stiff the competition will be for Scott's services, are questions to be answered down the road.
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