Insider Lists Chicago Cubs As Potential Suitor for Superstar Closer
The Chicago Cubs will look to get better during the offseason after a step in the right direction during 2023. The organization has already shown its commitment to building a contender by making Craig Counsell the highest-paid manager in the sport.
Could that be a sign that the Cubs are going to spend in free agency?
That's the rumor as Chicago has been linked to most of the high-profile free agents available.
There's one name to watch for the Cubs and it's someone that isn't being talked about enough. That's a reunion between Counsell and stud reliever Josh Hader.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com lists Chicago as a potential suitor for the left-handed closer:
"New Cubs manager Craig Counsell is quite familiar with Hader, having managed him in Milwaukee from 2017-22. Chicago got a solid performance from Adbert Alzolay last season -- he saved 22 games with a 2.67 ERA in 58 appearances -- but adding Hader would further strengthen Chicago’s ’pen. Hader has enjoyed great success at Wrigley Field, throwing 20 scoreless innings there during his career."
The Cubs finished middle of the pack in most bullpen statistics last season and recorded a 3.85 team ERA and 1.29 WHIP. They also faltered down the last part of the year and was a big reason why Chicago missed out on the playoffs by a single game.
With a better relief staff in 2024, they should be expected to win more games.
One thing to look for here is the contract Hader's going to sign. If that exceeds the numbers that the Cubs are willing to spend, there's not much of a reason to even think they would add him.
There are way more important needs on the roster than spending massive money on a relief pitcher.
