The Cubs Should Trade for Felix Bautista Now

With the Chicago Cubs blowing a save opportunity in Monday night’s matchup against the Miami Marlins, it’s clear that their bullpen could use a little help.

Daniel Palencia has been a nice arm so far (minus tonight’s blown save), Drew Pomeranz has turned back the clock, and Brad Keller has had his moments. But the Cubs still don’t have that sure-fire arm to close games out that they desperately need. And with Manager Craig Counsell announcing that Porter Hodge is headed to the IL with an oblique injury, they are in more need of a closer now more than ever. Especially since Ryan Pressly was demoted from the role earlier this month for poor performance. 

So who does Counsell go with now that Hodge is out indefinitely? Pressly has proven multiple times that the ninth inning is a roller coaster for him. Palencia and Pomeranz have been great in their roles so far, which is why they should stay where they’re at. Ben Brown has been sniffed around as an option to close, but that would put the rotation down another starter, so there are few options left. 

The Cubs should trade for Baltimore Orioles’ closer Felix Bautista.

Coming off Tommy John surgery that took him out for all the 2024 season, Felix Bautista is still pitching at a similar level that saw him nab an All-Star appearance in 2023. The 29-year-old has a 2.77 ERA with 15 strikeouts, eight walks, and a 1.154 WHIP through his first 13 innings this year. He has not exactly been lights-out so far this year, but opposing hitters are still just hitting .105 against his splitter and .200 against his sinker, the latter of which is averaging 97 mph this year.