Jalen Beeks listed as a potential fit for Cubs |
Once the 2024 MLB season ended and the Chicago Cubs had a chance to reflect on everything that happened, it was clear the season was a season of missed opportunities. Not only did the team miss the postseason for a fourth straight season and for the fifth time in six years, but they posted an identical 83-79 record with practically the same roster put in place.
Unlike the way 2023 ended, where the team collapsed down the stretch, last season was ultimately decided in the first two months of the season as the Cubs had one of the worst bullpens in the league. That was evident by the team's 27 blown saves, as that can't happen if you want to be a winning organization. Knowing that significant changes were expected to be made this offseason, especially regarding addressing the bullpen. Whether that be the trades for Eli Morgan, Ryan Pressly, and Ryan Brasier, or the free agent pickup of Caleb Thielbar, among others, the Cubs have done a great job of restocking this bullpen with proven arms that have a long track record of success. As is the case every year with bullpen arms, you never know what you will get from one season to the next, so there is a chance that some of these arms will regress. That is why adding as much depth as the Cubs have is crucial, but when does it become a point of having too much depth? As things currently stand, their 40-man roster consists of what seems like 23 relievers, which is an absurd amount. Only eight relievers will make this team out of camp, leaving around 15 options for AAA or getting released at some point. Even with the massive influx of depth, the Cubs may not be done adding to their pen, as they could have one last move up their sleeve. David Robertson is the name that continues to come to mind, but given the Brasier trade, it seems like he will land elsewhere. While he may seem like the perfect fit, another name is linked to the Cubs, and it was briefly mentioned last week. After The Athletic released an article about one remaining free agent each team should sign, left-hander Jalen Beeks was mentioned to the Cubs, and it does make sense why he was mentioned. The 31-year-old has been solid most of his career, and for a team that only has one true lefty in Thielbar at the moment, the Cubs would love to add another lefty to the pen. Beeks reached the majors and broke into the majors in 2018 as a part of the Tampa Bay Rays pen. Over the next five seasons, Beeks had up-and-down success, with two seasons having an ERA north of 4.3. You also have his other seasons, where he posted ERAs of 3.45 in 2019, 3.25 in 2022, and a career-best 1.86 during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He did that while posting solid walk rates and consistent strikeout rates, as he averages just over three walks per nine innings and close to 9.5 strikeouts per nine. Beeks also had two seasons where he was striking out better than 10 batters per nine, including his career-best mark of 12.10 in 2020, as he can blow hitters away. The 2024 season was interesting for Beeks as he wound up getting traded, but still delivered some impressive numbers across the board. Across 71 games last season, Beeks appeared in 70 innings, going 7-4 with a 3.47 ERA. He also added 10 saves to his line as he was trusted in late-game situations several times. While the 3.4 walks per nine innings rate remained consistent over his career, his 7.07 strikeouts per nine was way down and was a career-low mark for him. That has to be a bit concerning, but when you allow less than one homer per nine and continue to pitch well, teams will look past that as long as you can keep producing. Not a flame thrower by any means, Beeks is still someone who can sit in the 93-95 MPH range with his heater and has learned how to pitch over time. With that comes a solid change-up and curveball combination, as he has three reliable pitches. In an era where every pitcher needs to face a three-batter minimum, having a lefty specialist isn't the need it once was. However, that won't stop this team from looking at Beeks, as they would like to add another lefty arm to balance out the pen. With pitchers and catchers set to report in less than a week, expect the Cubs to get something done soon with someone if they want them available to start spring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLkjsXcZl7I&t=63s
