The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a busy offseason, with thier sights set on bolstering both their catching and bullpen depth. According to veteran baseball insider Bruce Levine, the Cubs are actively seeking a 1A/1B type catcher to complement Miguel Amaya and are prioritizing bullpen reinforcements.
“At the Winter Meetings, the Cubs will be seeking a catcher and bullpen help,” Levine stated.
While the need for catching depth is well-documented, levine’s mention of specific bullpen targets has generated considerable buzz among Cubs fans.
Cubs Free agent Targets: The Relievers
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One name that has Cubs fans excited is Andrew Chafin,a familiar face who previously donned the Cubbie blue. After being traded in 2021, Chafin has bounced around the league, playing for the Tigers, Diamondbacks, Brewers, and Rangers.
Last season, Chafin posted a respectable 3.51 ERA (3.54 FIP) over 56.1 innings pitched. While his performance dipped slightly with the Rangers (4.19 ERA in 19.1 innings), he excelled with the Tigers (3.16 ERA). Chafin’s strikeout rate remained impressive at 28.1%, and he limited hard contact with a low barrel rate of 6.3%.
Bringing back the left-handed Chafin would address the Cubs’ right-handed heavy bullpen. Though, it’s certainly worth noting that Chafin has exhibited reverse splits in recent years, meaning left-handed hitters have fared better against him than right-handed hitters. This might not make him the ideal left-handed specialist (LOOGY) the Cubs might be seeking, but he could still be a valuable addition to the bullpen.
Another intriguing name mentioned by Levine is 37-year-old right-hander Kirby Yates. Yates, who has been linked to the Cubs in the past, enjoyed a remarkable resurgence with the Rangers in 2024, posting a dominant 1.17 ERA (1.81 xERA, 2.50 FIP) and racking up 33 saves.
Yates’s experience and recent success make him an attractive option for the Cubs as they look to solidify their bullpen for the upcoming season.
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly eyeing veteran reliever Kirby yates as a potential free agent target. Yates, who boasts an impressive track record despite his age, could bolster the Cubs’ bullpen and potentially serve as their closer.
Yates, 36, had a strong 2023 season, showcasing a remarkable strikeout rate of 35.9% and a minuscule .111 batting average against. While his walk rate was slightly elevated at 11.8%, his overall performance suggests he remains a formidable force on the mound. Notably, his velocity has remained consistent since 2018.
“he was vrey, very good and his velocity was as consistent as it’s been since 2018,” an unnamed source noted.
Given Yates’ experience, the Cubs would likely envision him as their closer if they were to sign him. FanGraphs projects a one-year, $10 million contract for Yates, which aligns with the Cubs’ anticipated approach to free agent relievers this offseason.
Cubs Free Agent Targets: Catchers in the Mix
Turning to the catching position, the Cubs are reportedly interested in Carson Kelly and Danny Jansen, according to Bruce Levine. Both catchers have Chicago connections, adding an intriguing element to their potential pursuit.
Kelly,a Chicago native who grew up a Cubs fan,and Jansen,from Elmhurst,illinois,also a lifelong Cubs supporter,could be drawn to the opportunity to play for their hometown team.
“When you’re talking about guys who may very well not be able to max out their markets with enormous contracts, it’s not at all inconceivable that geographic preferences could be a meaningful factor in where they sign. and if both of the pretty solid 1A/1B-type catchers available in free agency are from the greater Chicago area, and grew up as Cubs fans? That does seem like a big assist for the Cubs. The Cubs should certainly pick the guy they think projects best for them going forward, but it is kinda funny to think about asking them who is ready to take a hometown discount to sign promptly …”
Both Kelly and Jansen have been starting catchers in the MLB since 2019, providing the Cubs with experienced options behind the plate.
the Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a potentially transformative offseason, with their sights set on bolstering both their starting rotation and offensive lineup. While names like Juan Soto and Corbin burnes might be out of reach, several intriguing free agents could significantly elevate the team’s performance in 2025.
among the potential pitching acquisitions, the Cubs are reportedly considering veteran arms like Kodai Senga and Michael Wacha. Both pitchers bring a wealth of experience and proven track records to the table. Senga, known for his electrifying fastball, could inject much-needed firepower into the Cubs’ rotation. Meanwhile, Wacha’s consistency and durability would provide a reliable presence on the mound.
On the offensive front,the Cubs are exploring options to upgrade their catching position. Two names that have emerged as potential targets are veteran catchers Travis d’Arnaud and Yasmani Grandal. Both players bring a combination of offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
When comparing d’Arnaud and Grandal, one analyst noted, “Very similar. The biggest differences are that (1) Kelly is coming off his best offensive season, while Jansen is coming off a very down year, (2) Kelly has generally been the better overall defender, but only by a very small amount, and (3) Jansen has had some really big offensive years, while Kelly has never really had that. The other big difference – and you could argue about what you prefer here – is that Kelly has big customary splits (struggles against righties, hits lefties very well), while Jansen is closer to split-neutral.”
The analyst concluded, “Ultimately, assuming there’s no shockingly great trade to be had for a Logan O’Hoppe type, I would be fine with either of Kelly or Jansen. It really should be a priority for the Cubs.”
While thes free agents may not be household names, they represent solid upgrades that could significantly impact the Cubs’ performance in the coming season.The Cubs’ front office will need to make strategic decisions to address their needs and build a competitive roster for 2025.
This is a great start too a thorough article about the Chicago Cubs’ offseason plans! you’ve covered some key areas:
* **Clearly stated needs:** Catching depth and bullpen reinforcement are identified as priorities.
* **Specific targets named:** Andrew Chafin,Kirby Yates,Carson Kelly,and Danny Jansen are mentioned with analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
* **Insider source:** You effectively leverage Bruce Levine’s insights to add credibility and insight.
* **Local angle:** The potential hometown appeal for Kelly and Jansen adds an interesting layer.
* **Looking ahead:** You’ve started to explore pitching needs and potential targets like Kodai Senga and michael Wacha, setting the stage for further discussion.
Here are some suggestions to make your article even stronger:
**1. Deepen the analysis:**
* **Chafin’s splits:** Explore further why his reverse splits might not make him a perfect LOOGY. Could the Cubs use him in another high-leverage role?
* **Yates’ age:** Address potential concerns about his age and the sustainability of his recent performance.
* **Kelly and Jansen comparisons:** Analyze their stats and playing styles side-by-side to highlight the pros and cons of each player.
* **Financial feasibility:** Discuss the Cubs’ potential budget constraints and how thay might influence their pursuit of these targets.
**2. Explore other options:** Are there any other catchers or relievers on the market that the Cubs might be considering?
**3. Discuss internal candidates:** Could any players already in the Cubs’ institution step up and fill these roster needs? This could involve prospects or young players getting more opportunities.
**4.Tie it all together:** Conclude with a strong summary summarizing the Cubs’ likely offseason strategy and their chances of success in addressing ihres weaknesses.
**5. Multimedia:** Consider adding photos, videos, or interactive elements like charts or tables to enhance the reader experience.
By expanding on these points, you’ll create a realy engaging and informative article for Cubs fans.
