Connecting dots, given the search for another high-leverage bullpen arm after signing Phil Maton, it made sense for the Chicago Cubs to be interested in former St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley. Not among the names at the top of the free-agent market for relief pitchers, Helsley would check the box of adding another out-getter to Craig Counsell's bullpen.
The issue, beyond the Cubs having yet to be connected to Helsley this offseason, was that the 31-year-old has been drawing interest as a starting pitcher. Considering the two-time All-Star has never started a game at the Major League level and only has a two-pitch mix, it seems like a stretch for him to suddenly consider a change in role.