Cubs could add bullpen help in Chasen Shreve |
Although the MLB trade deadline has come and gone, there are still moves a team can make to better their roster. Granted, none of the players acquired at this point can play in the postseason, and all moves made must come on the free-agent market, as players can still be cut this late in the season.
When you look at the free agent market, there are some intriguing names, and one name stands out as a possible late-season target for the Cubs. That happens to be former Detroit Tigers left-hander Chasen Schreve, who is now available for the taking. Make no mistake; the Cubs bullpen has been good this season, especially as of late. With the combination of Michael Fulmer, Julian Merryweather, Mark Leiter Jr, and Adbert Alzolay, the Cub's back end of the pen is as good as anyone and has been for quite some time. However, the front end and middle of the pen are still consistent at times, and there do need to be some changes made. Along with that, the Cubs still don't have a left reliever, although you could make the case that Leiter Jr is their lefty when you look at his splits. Despite his success this season, there was a reason why the Cubs were looking at Brooks Raley as a deadline option, as they know they can use a lefty in their pen. Moving Drew Smyly from the rotation to the pen could be the option, but he isn't proven as a reliever, so that may not work out. That is where Shreve comes into play, as he could be a nice late-season pick-up for the Cubs to add to their pen. The Tigers recently cut the 33-year-old after putting together a solid season and a great last month. Most of you are probably wondering why the Tigers would release him for nothing if he were doing well. Money is undoubtedly the biggest issue, as Shreve was set to make 1.3 million this season and already reached 300K in incentives. This was an easy decision for a team like the Tigers, who are not winning many games, as it got some of the money off the books and opened up a roster spot. Shreve's contract with the Tigers came with certain innings-based incentives he would trigger in the weeks ahead if he stayed healthy. By releasing him, they can keep some of that money, allowing them to look at some of their younger arms in the system as they build toward a brighter future. The biggest question surrounding Shreve at this point is why a team like the Cubs has yet to add him to their roster, or any team for that matter. Should you sign him now, he will make no more than 150K the rest of the season, so essentially, it becomes a free play. You are adding a lefty to your pen that is proven, but it is also an opportunity to see if he can give you enough success to warrant a new deal next season. While Shreve has never been an impact reliever for much of his career, he has put together some very good seasons but has also had some dreadful seasons. When you look at his numbers this season, you immediately notice the 4.79 ERA, which is well below the league average. However, he has a solid 23.6% strikeout rate compared to a 6.8% walk rate while also posting a near 47% ground ball rate. That alone is why the Cubs should take a swing at him, as he would play right into the strength of their defense. His overall numbers may not be great, but lately, Schreve has turned it around and has been pitching better than he has in a long time. Over the past month, his ERA has been 3.86, but take away two outings, which would be closer to 3.00. That is much better, but one thing that you need to take notice of is what he has done against lefties during that time. Shreve is not only getting lefties out, but he has owned them this season as he has a near 35% strikeout rate compared to a walk rate below 2%. That is an unheard-of ratio and someone the Cubs should be looking at. At this point in the season, you can't be picky about who is available and who is not. Shreve is not only available but is a veteran who comes cheap and fills one of the needs on this Cubs team. This is a win-win play for the organization if they make this happen, and from all accounts, they should make this move for the playoff push.
