*Photo from NBC Sports*
The Chicago Cubs have added some closer depth to the back end of their bullpen. The Cubs and RHP Brandon Workman have agreed on a one year, $1 million deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. There are an additional $2 million in bonuses that Workman can earn this year. The Cubs have confirmed the deal.
Workman is coming off a rough showing in 2020, particularly with the Philadelphia Phillies. Workman posted a 1-4 record with a 5.95 ERA, throwing 19 2/3 innings and saving 9 games in 21 appearances out of the bullpen, split between the Phillies and the Boston Red Sox. His last full season, in 2019, was his best one yet, posting a 10-1 record with a 1.88 ERA, saving 16 games in 73 appearances for the Red Sox, locking the closers job down late in the season.
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said of the bullpen outlook entering spring training that "I like the arms we have down there. And I like our infrastructure's ability to get the most out of those guys. So, yeah, I think Rossy will have a lot of options. But exactly how it's going to sort out before the closer, I think, will be the question."
Despite Workman's dismal showing in 2020, the Cubs are hoping they can do to Workman what they did with Jeremy Jeffress. They took a discarded, wrecked reliever and turned Jeffress into one of the most reliable relievers in 2020. Workman's fantastic 2019 season is evidence that he can be effective, so the Cubs will look to get Workman to achieve that effectiveness.
Craig Kimbrel is currently slated to be the Cubs closer, but Workman can be a good secondary save option when Kimbrel needs a day off, if Kimbrel gets injured, or if Kimbrel performs ineffectively. As for now, it appears a setup role is in the cards for Workman entering the season, as the Cubs still believe in Kimbrel as their closer.
Workman joins a rebuilt Cubs bullpen that includes Kimbrel, Rowan Wick, Andrew Chafin, Jason Adam, Kyle Ryan, Duane Underwood Jr, and Dan Winkler.
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