Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training for the Cubs and Theo Epstein may not be done adding to the roster. Epstein, along with GM Jed Hoyer and manager Joe Maddon met the media on Tuesday in Mesa at Sloan Park, and during the press conference Epstein said they're still in contact with several free agents.
Are you getting excited about a possible last-second pursuit of Bryce Harper? So was I when Epstein first touched on the subject.
Hell yeah! Give me Bryce! But of course Epstein wasn't going to drop that big of a bombshell on the first day of camp. Now, he's going to talk about a big free agent signing? Yup, too good to be true. Epstein went on and specifically brought up being active in the reliever market and how there's a chance they can fit one more pitcher in the bullpen.
All right, fine. I've already accepted the fantasy that was getting Harper, so trying to improve the bullpen is still a positive. The Cubs made the Brad Brach signing official on Monday, a one year guaranteed contract worth as much as $3 million, with a $5 million team option for 2020. The Cubs also signed Tony Barnette, who last pitched with the Rangers. They've also added a few pitchers to minor-league deals throughout the offseason. So, who else is available? I mean, there's Craig Kimbrel, who's still unsigned, and the Cubs do need a closer with Brandon Morrow's health status up in the air. But realistically speaking, here are the options for the Cubs if they do indeed add another reliever. Tony Sipp Nick Vincent Jake Diekman Tyler Clippard Xavier Cedeno Aaron Loup Adam Warren And you can see the rest of the list here. The Cubs could use another lefty because Brian Duensing doesn't convey much confidence heading into the season. However, they do have a few minor league options if they feel good about them coming up and contributing in 2019. By the way, Duensing is owed $3.5 million for 2019. I could definitely see them just eating that money if he doesn't look sharp in spring training.
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