The Chicago Cubs finished 83-79 during the 2024 regular season and missed the postseason. However, they have proven that they have a desire to win in 2025.
Last week, they traded for outfielder Kyle Tucker and bolstered their starting lineup significantly. But they may not be done just yet.
The Cubs could always use a little bit of help with their bullpen, and Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball believes they will add an arm, predicting that Jeff Hoffman will join them on a three-year, $33 million deal.
“Predicting contracts for relievers is typically a fool’s errand, as years and AAV can vary wildly. Jeff Hoffman is coming off a fantastic last few seasons with the Phillies, where he has pitched to a 2.28 ERA over 122 appearances,” Finkelstein wrote.
“The right-hander will turn 32 years old in January, and should have more than a few good years left in him. In recent years, we have seen both Taylor Rogers and Robert Stephenson sign three-year deals, worth $33 million.
Hoffman could be in line for a similar payday this winter and the Cubs could use a top-end reliever to build their bullpen around.”
Hoffman may ultimately end up being stretched out as a starter, as Clay Holmes will be with the New York Mets, so that might change his market a little bit.
But if he remains a reliever, he could be the perfect addition to a Cubs bullpen that needs a closer. They already acquired Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians, but another back-end presence would serve them well as they try to bounce back into contention in 2025.
The veteran reliever posted a 2.17 ERA with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024 and saved 10 games in his 68 appearances. We’ll see if the Cubs decide to take a chance on him this winter.
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