The Chicago Cubs lost out on Tanner Scott, the best available closer in this offseason’s free agency class, reportedly coming up just a few million short of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ winning offer.
But the Cubs’ pursuit of a shutdown closer shouldn’t end with Scott.
The Chicago Cubs Bullpen, Future and Present
There are a couple of remaining high-end closers still available, such as Carlos Estevez and Kirby Yates. There’s also the possibility of trading for a closer. The San Diego Padres’ Robert Suarez has been a name brought up by a few media analysts.
There’s also the distinct possibility that the Cubs front office may pull back on making any big deals and, instead, opt for a smaller piece or two to add to the bullpen mix.
So far this offseason, the Cubs have acquired right-handers Eli Morgan and Cody Poteet via trade from the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees, respectively. They also picked up veteran lefty Caleb Thielbar and veteran righty Colin Rea via free agency.
An Under-The-Radar Post-Tanner Scott Target
One final piece, as suggested by Jordan Llanes of Clutch Points could be the 34-year-old Paul Sewald.
The veteran reliever, who has worked as both a set-up man and closer, is coming off a down year with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he finished with a 4.31 ERA and posted 16 saves, but he’s only one year removed from delivering back-to-back 30+ save seasons with an ERA in the low 3s.
Per Llanes:
“Paul Sewald has had experience closing games with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks and has pitched in October. He did have a bit of a down year in 2024, but he still saved 16 games and struck over a batter an inning. For the next couple of seasons, he’d be a solid addition to the backend of the Cubs’ bullpen. For a team stocked with talent but short on experience, Sewald would be a savvy pickup on a two-year deal.
The right-hander could be the closer, or setup man for Porter Hodge. Counsell and Hoyer would likely hope for the second scenario, as it means that Hodge has seized the closing role, and he has a capable deputy in Sewald. They’ve already brought on board a couple of other relievers in free agency, so Sewald wouldn’t be too much of a stretch here. Having a strong bullpen would certainly help the Cubs in their pursuit of October glory. The former Diamondback could be an underrated but key pickup for the North Siders.”
It Makes Sense For Both Parties
Sewald had been talking a lot in the offseason about the Dodgers and possibly finding a gig with that powerhouse crew. With their acquisition of Scott, however, they may have no need for the eight-year veteran. He would now do well to pivot to his backup plan– finding a place where he has a path to becoming a closer and re-entering the free agent marketplace in 2026, asking for closer money.
Chicago, with a history of rebuilding, re-polishing veterans and currently in need of a veteran closer, may be the ideal landing spot for Sewald.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has estimated that Sewald could be signed on a one-year, $7 million deal. This would be a price in line with what the Cubs might be expected to spend for what amounts to a rental player looking for a comeback year before re-exploring free agency.
At the very least, the Cubs could take a look at Sewald as a co-closer, along with the 23-year-old Porter Hodge. One more bullpen arm never hurts.
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