Jed Hoyer has made it clear this offseason that strengthening the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen is a top priority. While the bullpen showed some promise during parts of the 2024 season, its overall performance fell short, especially when looking at the full scope of the year. For the Cubs to be competitive in the National League Central, improving the bullpen is essential. In a game where pitching remains crucial, the team knows it can’t rely solely on an inconsistent offense if it wants to secure victories, particularly in late-game situations.
The Cubs have several options for improving their bullpen, whether they choose to stick with more affordable options or make a significant splash in the free-agent market. If they opt for a big move to show they’re committed to contending, left-handed reliever Tanner Scott could be the ideal target. Scott was arguably the best reliever in baseball last season, and his ability to dominate left-handed batters makes him a valuable asset for any bullpen, especially for a team like the Cubs, who have expressed interest in matchups.
However, Scott’s expected price tag could be a hurdle. He is likely to command a four-year, $60 million deal, a hefty sum for a reliever. This would place him in the upper echelon of bullpen contracts, with his annual salary potentially around $15 million, a rate that could be considered steep for most teams. Scott’s contract demands may seem high, but his stellar performance in 2024, where he posted a 1.75 ERA, combined with his dominant stuff, makes him a promising investment.
While large contracts for bullpen arms haven’t always paid off for other teams in recent years, Scott’s potential for continued high-level performance makes him a worthwhile gamble for a Cubs team looking to make a serious playoff push.
