Under the radar relievers to consider by Cubs |
With the Dodgers taking the first big swing of Free agency and landing Blake Snell, it's becoming clearer that they are the team to beat once again. No matter how you look at things, you can't deny that their lineup and rotation are daunting and could be the best in baseball.
Whatever happens from this point on in free agency will be aimed at competing with the Dodgers, which is a lot easier said than done. The Cubs have an even tougher task as they lack the true starting power you need in your lineup, but they also lack the pitching capable enough to shut down this high-powered Dodgers team. From the start, the Cubs have three reliable options that can compete with anyone, but it's after those three that the questions come into play. You also have a bullpen that blew 43 games and 27 saves last season, as Jed Hoyer is content with figuring out how to retool his bullpen enough to make them reliable. Trading for Eli Morgan, who has three years of control, was a massive step in the right direction, but fixing the bullpen is going to take more than one guy. The good news for the Cubs is that there are plenty of options out there for this team to add pieces, and some of them are being overlooked by many teams. Here is a list of five names under the radar for the Cubs to consider:
Arguably, one of the best relievers on the free agent market is someone no one talks about in righty pitcher Jeff Hoffman. One of the many anchors in the Phillies pen last season, Hoffman was not only dominant at times, but some view him as a potential starting pitcher, which could happen as early as this year. There is a reason why he is seeking a deal in the three—or four-year range with an AAV of 12 million per season. You don't give that kind of cash to a reliever, and the Cubs know that, but if the price is right, why not try to keep him as a high-leverage option? Hoffman posted a 2.17 ERA over 66.1 IP with a 33.6% strikeout rate last season after posting a 2.43 ERA in 2023. Known for his 97 MPH fastball and a lethal change-up, Hoffman has the two-pitch mix you look for in a high-leverage reliever. If he were to move to the rotation this season, he would need to pick up another pitch, which you could see this Spring.Jeff Hoffman
James Karinchak
One of the many names that Carter Hawkins should be familiar with due to his time in Cleveland, Karinchak has been a reliable reliever for the Guardians and is now looking for a new home. Despite his high strikeout rate over the past five seasons, Karinchak has also struggled with walks, as the command hasn't always been there.
Then came the 2024 season, when he not only injured his shoulder but injured it to the point where he didn't appear in any games, with his seven appearances coming in the Minors. Karinchak was very good in those seven appearances, but at 29, expect him to have a very active market as a middle relief option.
Patrick Sandoval
One of the many pitchers who were late bloomers, Sandoval falls into this category but is one of the more risky pickups of the offseason. Sandoval hasn't been good record-wise, as his 19-45 mark would indicate, but with a 4.01 ERA, there is much more to it than just winning or losing games.
This is someone who knows how to pitch, evident with his 2.91 ERA in 2022 despite going 6-9 that season. He followed that up with a 7-13 showing in 2023 with a 4.11 ERA before the bottom fell out last season. Sandoval wound up having Tommy John and will miss all of 2025, so adding him to this roster will be more of a future play than a right-now play.
Brandon Hughes: The lone name on this list that most fans will remember is left-hander Brandon Hughes. The former Michigan State OF turned pitcher spent the first part of his career in the Cubs minor League system before reaching the majors in 2022. That came after a dominating start to the AAA season that year as Hughes continued to flash his potential in his first stint in the majors.
Then came the 2023 season, during which Hughes injured his knee in the Spring and was never fully healthy. He was shut down later in the season and then released in the offseason. He signed with the Diamondbacks in 2024 and continued to go through the ups and downs. The 29-year-old still resides in Chicago, and if the Cubs are looking for left-handed help, why not tender him a Minor League deal?
Colin Poche
Last but not least is LHP Colin Poche. With the Cubs needing a lefty reliever, Poche could help this team after putting together a solid 2024 season with the Rays. As is the case with many pitchers nowadays, Poche did deal with some injuries last year, one coming from his shoulder and the other from his back, which forced him to miss the most time.
Still, good lefties are hard to find when it comes to relievers, and at 31 years old, Poche is someone who would be worth a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring. None of these would be deals to move the needle, but they would be those under-the-radar signings the Cubs do a lot of that tend to work in their favor.
