The Chicago Cubs appear determined to compete in 2023.
In the 2021-22 offseason, they added players such as Marcus Stroman and Seiya Suzuki, who could be difference-makers if things go right.
During the current, still-ongoing offseason, they have signed Dansby Swanson, Tucker Barnhart, Eric Hosmer, Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon, Brad Boxberger, and Michael Fulmer.
Add that with players they already had such as Nico Hoerner, Matt Mervis, Adbert Alzolay, Justin Steele, Ian Happ, and Christopher Morel, and they are beginning to look like a team that may fight for one of the Wild Card spots.
We don’t need to tell you that once a team in the playoffs, anything can happen: just ask the Miami Marlins, who won two World Series as the Wild Card team in their history.
Adding Fulmer today solves an immediate bullpen need.
However, the Cubs could use a left-handed reliever.
Brandon Hughes is the only southpaw projected to start the season in their bullpen.
An old friend could be very, very helpful for their 2023 playoff chances.
“If the Cubs find a way to add Andrew Chafin too … that would be pretty freakin’ slick,” Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami tweeted.
If the Cubs find a way to add Andrew Chafin too… that would be pretty freakin’ slick. https://t.co/KOO87WS4of
—Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) February 10, 2023
Chafin has already had success wearing a Cubs uniform, in the first half of the 2021 campaign.
He had a 2.06 ERA in 39.1 frames back then, before being traded to the Oakland Athletics.
He signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers and had another fine performance in 2022, with a 2.83 ERA and 67 punchouts in 57.1 innings.
He has proven he can be a shutdown reliever in MLB, as his 3.23 career ERA suggests.
If the Cubs can pull it off, they could be serious contenders for one of the two Wild Card berths in the National League.
He could be their missing piece.
NEXT:
MLB Insider Reveals Latest Cubs Addition
