The Chicago Cubs have not been overly aggressive this offseason, especially when it comes to the bullpen. After reported interest in names like RHP Robert Stephenson and logical fits like LHP Matt Moore signed with other teams, it appears that the Cubs don't plan on overspending on their bullpen entering 2024. Stephenson signed for $33 million over three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and Moore signed a one-year deal with the Angles as well worth about $9 million.
Now, it appears another veteran has captivated the interest of the front office. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Cubs are reportedly interested in Houston Astros reliever Ryne Stanek.
Stanek spent the last three seasons with the Astros, accumulating a 2.90 ERA over 186 appearances. In addition, the big righty punched out 196 batters while allowing 89 free passes in 173.2 innings of work from 2021 to 2023.
Stanek began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching two and a half seasons in Tampa. He remained in Florida when he spent the second half of 2019 and all of 2020 with the Miami Marlins. However, Stanek's most success has come in Houston, despite carrying a 3.55 ERA in his time with Tampa Bay.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old made $3.6 million with the Astros last season. Now sitting on the market, its likely he'll earn at least $5 million from any given suitor. As a relief pitcher, its unlikely he'll get a multi-year deal, but the Cubs could build in some type of second-year option within a potential contract. Keep in mind, a rocky 4.09 ERA in 2023 could bring his price down into the territory the Cubs are looking to spend.
If the Cubs do manage to land Stanek, they cannot stop there. The bullpen still lacks a left-handed reliever and there is argument for the Cubs to possibly add a third piece to the pen before Spring Training. However, adding Stanek could be a really solid start as the Cubs beef up their bullpen.
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