MLB free agency seems to be picking up steam in terms of bullpen arms. With high-end options like Josh Hader and new Chicago Cubs hurler Hector Neris off the board, teams have focused on low-risk high-reward relievers.
A previous Cubs target, Ken Giles , signed elsewhere after Chicago attended his workout, but Jed Hoyer should still be interested in adding arms ahead of Spring Training.
One notable journeyman still on the market is veteran left-hander Brad Hand. The three-time All-Star will be entering his age-34 season in 2024 after stints with nine different teams throughout his career.
Hand signed with the Colorado Rockies before Spring Training last season and was traded to an Atlanta Braves team looking for some bullpen pieces to bolster a postseason run.
While Hand's numbers weren't that impressive in Colorado as he primarily played at Coors Field, they weren't that great in Atlanta either. Posting a 7.50 ERA in 20 appearances with the Braves, Hand certainly finished 2023 on a sour note.
As a result, he might be an afterthought to teams. Why sign an aging reliever who seems to be in decline after last season?
This is where the Cubs could come in with a potential Spring Training invite. Chicago needs more arms from the left side, and Hand could stand to benefit from working with a Cubs pitching lab that loves its reclamation projects.
If successful, the Cubs could have an interesting option from the left side as Hand comes at batters with a funky delivery.
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