The Chicago Cubs remain on the hunt for arms, both for the starting rotation and the bullpen.
Their bullpen needs, specifically, may be most urgent when it comes to finding a closer– a shutdown game finisher who put away opposition.
The importance of having a closer in this day and age can’t be overstated. Having that finisher in the bullpen turns nine-inning games to eight-inning games as opposition struggles to not fall behind and face the wrath of a shutdown master.
A Best Fit Closer For The Chicago Cubs
There are a few quality names in free agency who could serve in the closer capacity in 2025 for the Cubs, but some feel that one of those names– currently flying a bit under the radar– may be the best fit for the club.
Kyle Finnegan has been one of the better closers for the last couple years, but his shine was dulled considerably by playing on the Washington Nationals. Expected to be dealt at the trade deadline last season, the Nationals opted to keep him and let him hit the open market as a free agent.
The Cubs, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, have expressed interest in the 33-year-old and have spoken to him already. Nothing has been reported since Rogers’ social media post earlier in the month, so either talks have cooled down considerably or a deal is already in place. The latter is most likely.
Bringing Kyle Finnegan Aboard
Some would argue, however, that Chicago would do well to explore bringing Finnegan aboard
Lyndon Suvanto of Sportskeeda is one of those championing the cause of Finnegan to the Cubs.
Per Suvanto:
“The Chicago Cubs are looking to reach the postseason for the first time since 2020 and bringing in a proven bullpen arm such as Finnegan could help that cause. The team enjoyed a solid run from Porter Hodge in 2024. However, given his lack of track record, the Cubs might want to bring in a more established reliever.
Finnegan could be an essential addition for the Cubs, who have already retooled their roster this offseason by landing Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. According to MLB insider Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have already been in discussion with the All-Star closer.”
Why Finnegan Could Be The Man
Finnegan finished his run with the Nationals with 38 saves and a 3.68 ERA in 65 games. His career mark shows the consistency in his game, as he has a 3.56 ERA, with 88 saves in 201 games as a reliever.
His last year in Washington saw him making just over $5 million. One has to figure that his free agent asking price, considering the market and his low profile as a player, would be somewhere between $5 and $7 million for two-to-three years. That would put him squarely in the ideal spending amount for the frugal Cubs, although Jed Hoyer and company may want to barter down to 5 to 7 in a one-year deal.
Insurance For Porter Hodge
The current favorite to win the Cubs’ closer spot is the 23-year-old Porter Hodge, who performed extremely well in that position in his short stint with the club. In 43 innings, Hodge saved 9 games and posted an impressive 1.88 ERA.
However, Hodge IS 23-years-old and, like many young rookies, a candidate for distraction, inconsistency, and a “down” year in his sophomore year. The Cubs would do well to get some veteran insurance for who the organization is hoping will be their shutdown closer for many years to come.
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