Left-handed reliever options left for Cubs |
We are officially less than two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and this is where most teams like to have their rosters finalized. Most of the current positions are finalized regarding the Cubs and their everyday roster, minus another bench bat or a fourth outfielder.
Plenty of options remain available for either of those needs, but it seems like Jose Iglesias will be the bat of choice should the Cubs look to add another utility man. Barring a surprising move to acquire another starter, the Cubs' pitching appears to be set in stone, minus some competition for the No. 5 starter. The bullpen is another story, as the Cubs have added plenty of arms, but apart from five or six of those arms, some roles are still up for grabs. If you haven't seen the reports, David Robertson is not only being linked to the Cubs, but it does feel like he is the one the Cubs will get by the time free agency ends. If that is the case, you put him in the back of the pen with Porter Hodge and Ryan Pressly, and the Cubs instantly have one of the best late-inning trios in the game. Getting the ball to those guys will be the key and with Eli Morgan, Tyson Miller, and Caleb Thielbar, this bullpen is in excellent hands this season, as they have far more depth than they had a season ago. Despite that, never count this team out when adding bullpen arms; plenty of options remain available. Should the Cubs go that route and potentially add one or two more relief options, they would target a left-handed option, as the Cubs don't have many of those guys. They tried that route with reverse split guys a season ago, but Drew Smyly was their lone lefty in pen once all those guys were traded away. The Cubs can't afford to go into this season like that again, and if Luke Little isn't 100 percent by the time the season starts, it does look like Thielbar is their lone lefty right now. The Cubs should consider one of these three remaining left-handed options, giving them more flexibility.
The less-known name on this list is 34-year-old Tim Hill. Another classic late bloomer, Hill was excellent in 2024, appearing in 62 games and posting a 3.36 ERA. He added four holds, but his 4.2 K/9 Ratio is one of the lowest in the game, which isn't ideal for a reliever. After being released by the White Sox, which is never a good sign, Hill latched on with the Yankees and played a massive role. He appeared in 10 of the Yankees' 14 playoff games and posted a 2.05 ERA in 35 total appearances in the Bronx. Even if the strikeout rate isn't there, his lead leading 68.2% ground ball rate would play well at Wrigley Field.Tim Hill
Ryan Yarbrough
If you are looking at not only a lefty but a lefty capable of pitching multiple innings, then Yarbrough could be your guy. The 33-year-old lefty has been one of the more overlooked southpaws the past few seasons and, after posting a 3.19 ERA in 44 games last season, is looking for a new home.
Like Hill, Yarbrough isn't going to overpower you, as indicated by his 5.9 K/9 rate. He makes up for his lack of overpowering stuff in soft contact as he held left-handed hitters to a slash line of .176/.211/.387 across 145 plate appearances. Not only that, but he recorded more than three outs in 34 of his 44 appearances, and he is the definition of a lefty specialist.
Danny Coulombe
While many feel Andrew Chafin is the best remaining lefty reliever on the market, Danny Coulombe may have something to say about that. Age aside (35) Cou,lombe has gone about his business, posting a 2.12 ERA across 33 games with the Orioles last year. He added 13 holds while striking out just under 10 batters per nine innings, as he can overpower hitters.
Set to make four million dollars this season, the Orioles declined his club option, making him a free agent. To show that 2024 wasn't a one-year fluke, Coulombe posted a 2.81 ERA over 61 appearances in 2023, so adding him on a one-year deal would be wise for this team.
Andrew Chafin, Will Smith, Brooks Raley, Jalen Beeks, and Scott Alexander are other options the Cubs could consider. Whatever they decide, they have options to improve this team.
