The Chicago Cubs appear poised to challenge for the top spot in the National League Central and reportedly are interested in signing a 33-save hurler before winter’s end.
Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation tackles the question of whether Chicago signing more pitching is “inevitable” and mentions free-agent closer Kirby Yates by name.
Yates, a one-time dominant closer for the San Diego Padres, spent much of this decade in bullpen limbo after missing out on all of the 2021 season due to injury.
The 37-year-old re-emerged last season to save 33 games for the Texas Rangers and earned his second All-Star nod in the process.
However, Texas has shown little interest in bringing him back despite a 33-save, 1.17 ERA campaign during the 2024 campaign.
Given his advanced age, Yates is not a candidate for a long-term contract, with Spotrac projecting his market value as deserving a one-year, $6 million deal.
Fangraphs currently lists unproven Porter Hodge as the Cubs’ projected closer in 2025. While the 23-year-old logged a 1.88 ERA and nine saves last season, would Chicago entrust the back end of its bullpen to someone so young?
Signing a proven closer like Yates to a short-term deal would give the Cubs time to mature Hodge before possibly handing the save keys to him in future seasons.
Yates would “make an excellent addition” to a Cubs team looking to return to the playoffs in 2025, according to Cerami.
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