Everyone in Chicago is hearing how Tom Ricketts is swinging for the fences for a playoff berth in 2023.
He’s been showing fans how he’s serious about making the Chicago Cubs playoff contenders this season.
The offseason signings are helping the Cubs build a roster of amazing defensive talent.
However, the team is lacking a sure-fire closer in their bullpen.
During the 2022 season, Cubs’ relievers blew 30 saves, tying them for third most in 2022.
With the Cubs lacking a closer, their bullpen committee failed to close out games for the team.
However, bringing back Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs will fix their closing issues.
His fluke numbers from 2022 have put him on the market, a market with limited pitching talent remaining.
While he had low save numbers in 2022 (9), he blew no save opportunities throughout the season.
Aroldis Chapman 2022:
4.46 ERA, 4.57 FIP, 9 SV, 43 SO, 28, 1.431 WHIP
Although he isn’t the Chapman from the Reds and Cubs, he can still provide some help for the #Marlins in the backend of the bullpen and will be pitching in a pitcher friendly environment. pic.twitter.com/DCRB7Jt50V
—Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) January 6, 2023
His short time with the Cubs during their World Series season saw him posting a 1.01 ERA in 28 regular season games while recording 16 saves.
While 2022 was a career-high in ERA for him, he’s normally around or below a 3.00 ERA.
With 315 career saves in 353 opportunities, he shows how reliable he is as a closer.
So it’s time to bring this All-Star talent back to the Windy City.
Despite the off year for him in 2022, he is consistently good when the ninth inning comes around.
If the Cubs want to prove they are serious about a playoff run, they will sign Chapman.
He knows the team and had his best performances with them.
Despite his World Series flub in game seven, fans should still want this closer back in Chicago.
