Cubs Engaged in Talks with Two-Time All-Star

The Chicago Cubs have made several key acquisitions this offseason to strengthen their roster as they aim for a National League Central title and a potential NL Pennant. However, there are still some gaps to address.

The Cubs may look to the free-agent market later in the offseason to fill these voids. Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently predicted that Chicago could sign former St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn as free agency winds down. At 37 years old, Lynn may be available for a deal near the league minimum at this stage of his career.

Rymer notes, “This leaves Gibson, Lynn (who, interestingly, could be used as a closer), and Turnbull as the best options of this bunch. The Cubs are reportedly eyeing Lynn and Gibson, according to Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Any of these three could also fit with the Yankees.” Rymer’s bold prediction is that the Cubs sign Lynn, while the Yankees stick with their current pitching staff.

The potential appeal of bringing Lynn to Chicago is his versatility. While Lynn is traditionally a starting pitcher, he could also be used as a closer, as Rymer suggests. The Cubs could slot him in as a starter, use him as a late-inning relief arm, or even employ him in middle relief, with the possibility of him pitching between one and five innings per appearance.

While Lynn is no longer in his prime, if the Cubs can sign him for the league minimum, it could prove to be a valuable, low-risk move.