The lack of depth in the Chicago Cubs bullpen was a big reason the team failed to meet expectations in 2019. Add to that the fact that several pitchers who have been a key part of the bullpen are due to hit free agency this winter, and the Cubs’ front office has a tall task ahead of them in building a bullpen that is capable of locking down games next year.
One certainty is that Craig Kimbrel will be the closer, the Cubs locked him up for two more seasons. Despite a disastrous 2019 half-season with the team, he does have a proven track record of success and the team will have to hope that he can return to All-Star form next year.