Cubs listed as top potential fit for $30 million ex-Phillies closer

The Chicago Cubs have been in the market for a bullpen addition. Their relief corps struggled mightily in 2024 and served as a major reason for them missing the postseason in finishing in third place in the National League Central.

Chicago was reported to be one of the teams in the mix for left-hander Tanner Scott before he ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The relief market is moving, and the Cubs should get a move on before other options sign.

Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com believes they would be a good fit for All-Star closer Carlos Estevez.

"The Cubs have tried filling out their relief corps with inexperienced youngsters and veteran stopgaps in recent years, but that strategy hasn’t yielded much success. Chicago’s late-inning crew was particularly unreliable in 2024, in part because expected closer Adbert Alzolay missed most of the season due to injury and free-agent addition Héctor Neris struggled," Harrigan wrote.

"Estévez, who recorded 26 saves with a career-best 2.45 ERA and 4.17 K/BB in 2024, makes sense as a potential target."

Estevez went 4-5 with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, posting a 2.45 ERA and earning 26 saves in his 54 appearances. He earned his sole All-Star nod in 2023 while he was still with the Angels.

He would certainly be a solid addition for the Cubs as they try to climb their way up in the NL Central. They already added Kyle Tucker via trade, so adding Estevez would show that they are attempting to win and compete in 2025.

We'll see if they give the right-hander an offer.

More MLB: Cubs linked to projected $42 million All-Star to fix 'biggest roster hole'