If you had to name the one Cubs player who was the biggest surprise of the year it might be Jeremy Jeffress. When it comes to filling a bullpen, the front office tends to accumulate as many lower-tier relievers as they can find and hope a few of them pan out. It’s ultimately frustrating for fans, but it’s difficult to argue with the results.
The Cubs finished the year with one of the best bullpens in baseball and Jeffress was a big reason why. When Craig Kimbrel struggled to start the season, David Ross moved Jeffress to the closer’s role and the 33-year-old didn’t disappoint.