Chicago Cubs still need left-handed bullpen help after trading for their closer

The Chicago Cubs made a big splash on Sunday when they acquired Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in exchange for pitching prospect Juan Bello. Pressly joins Kyle Tucker, Matthew Boyd and Eli Morgan as the notable additions made by the front office this offseason to prepare the team for 2025.

The 2024 Cubs were a major disappointment in the eyes of the fanbase, as they finished with the exact same record that they posted in 2023 (83-79). These moves could lead to some changes this season.

Despite Pressly being the closer that Chicago has needed, the bullpen should have more pieces coming aboard before pitchers and catchers report on February 9. Based on what we have seen in years past from the Cubs stable, there can never be enough depth in the unit to complete a full 162 game season. Left handed options in the Chicago bullpen have been inconsistent in recent memory, and either one of these free agents could change that narrative.

The Chicago Cubs could look to add an old friend in Andrew Chafin

Chafin spent parts of 2020 and 2021 with the Cubs before being traded to the Athletics at the 2021 trade deadline. The left hander was a big part of Chicago’s bullpen in the first half of the 2021 campaign, as he made 43 appearances and tossed 39.1 innings. Chafin possessed an impressive 2.06 ERA that year in Chicago to pair with an eye-popping 0.84 WHIP.

Since his time came to an end in Wrigleyville, Chafin has bounced around the league. He spent 2022 with Detroit, 2023 with Arizona and Milwaukee before returning to Detroit to begin the 2024 season. Chafin was yet again dealt at the deadline this past season as he left Detroit to join the Texas Rangers. Between his two stops last year, Chafin finished with a 4-3 record and a 3.51 ERA. He made 62 appearances and threw 56.1 innings.

The 34-year-old’s familiarity with the Cubs organization makes him an easy candidate to join the stable ahead of the 2025 season. He shouldn’t be to expensive and his deal would likely be for one year, which is an easy sell to the front office.

Scott Alexander could be on the table for the Chicago Cubs

Alexander was a candidate to join the Cubs as a left handed bullpen option last offseason, but he was instead signed by the Athletics. The veteran put up one of the best seasons in his career with the A’s, as he had a 2.56 ERA on the year in 45 outings. He tossed 38.2 innings and finished the campaign with a 1-3 record.

Similar to Chafin, Alexander is in his mid-30s and has been taking each season of his career one year at a time. His deal with Oakland in 2024 was worth just over $2 million, so even if his desired salary for 2025 is closer to $4 million, that wouldn’t be much of an ask from the Cubs front office. Alexander has proven to be an effective and consistent option in all types of situations throughout his time in the bigs. The commitment to him would not be a large one, and he could provide the Chicago bullpen with exactly what they are looking for.

Whether Luke Little is at full health of not, the Cubs need to prioritize bringing in a veteran lefty with a solid track record to stabilize the bullpen in 2025. Alexander or Chafin would be that steady presence needed to allow Pressly, Hodge and hopefully another late inning arm to flourish down the stretch.