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Cubs could look to add lefty reliever in next offseason move

Cubs could look to add lefty reliever in next offseason move

Cubs could look to add lefty reliever in next offseason move originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

While the Cubs have had one of the their most active offseasons in recent memory, notably adding Jameson Taillon, Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger, it’s very possible that we could see more action from the North Siders leading up to Opening Day.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Jed Hoyer’s administration is not done making moves, highlighting a left-handed reliever market that still boasts notable names such as Brad Hand, Zack Britton and former Cub Andrew Chafin.

Though the bullpen served as a pleasant surprise for much of 2022 for the Cubs, several key relievers had moved on from the team even before the end of the season, with David Robertson, Chris Martin, Mychal Givens and Scott Effross all being dealt leading up to the trade deadline.

The Cubs enter 2023 with one solid left-handed relief option expected to contribute consistently, as 27-year-old Brandon Hughes looks to build off of a strong rookie campaign that saw him post 68 strikeouts and a 3.12 ERA across 57.2 innings of work.

On the other side of the mound, Rowan Wick and Michael Rucker also figure to be prominent bullpen pieces in 2023, with the Cubs also adding Brad Boxberger this offseason as an experienced late-game option.

The Cubs are also hopeful that right-hander Codi Heuer, who was acquired alongside Nick Madrigal in a trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox, can contribute at a high level in 2023 after missing the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Former Cub Andrew Chafin is perhaps the most compelling left-handed option remaining on the market for both fans and the front office, as Chafin continues a stretch of excellent play that began during his time with the Cubs in early 2021.

After posting a 1.83 ERA across 71 games and 68.2 innings with the Cubs and Athletics in 2021, Chafin went on to have another great season for a fledgling Tigers team in 2022.

Chafin, who will turn 33 in June, registered a 3.06 FIP and 2.83 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 57.1 innings in the Motor City last year, appearing in 64 games and picking up three saves.

Former top prospect and starter-turned-reliever Matt Moore also figures to be a strong fit for the Cubs, after the left-hander seemed to have found a career renaissance in 2022 following a move to the bullpen.

After posting sky-high ERA totals as primarily a starter in long reliever in 2017 and 2018 with the Giants and…

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