Cubs could snatch Phillies All-Star pitcher this winter to bolster bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have started to show some life lately.

Chicago has won seven of its last 10 games but it still is 5 1/2 games out of a National League Wild Card spot. The Cubs have started to look great lately, but there just might not be enough time to make up the ground in the standings.

The Cubs can't be ruled out yet, but they should be much better in 2025. Chicago will enter the offseason expected to be aggressive in free agency. The Cubs will have money to spend and could look to add some firepower to the bullpen.

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly even suggested that the Cubs could be in the mix to sign Philadelphia Phillies All-Star closer Carlos Estévez.

"Carlos Estévez is the de-facto closer for the Phillies, but he just hasn't had a ton of save opportunities since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels prior to the trade deadline," Kelly said. "Nonetheless, the 2023 All-Star is having a career year and should do well in free agency this offseason...

"Such is life for relievers. Estévez should have no problem finding work this winter. He's proved capable of closing, but he could also go to a team that prefers a more matchup-based approach or just wants him to be their top setup man. If not a return to the Phillies, the Texas Rangers, Cubs, and (Arizona Diamondbacks) could all be fits for the veteran righty."

Estévez has been great this season and has a 2.36 overall ERA this season in 45 total appearances with the Los Angeles Angels and Phillies. He certainly should be on Chicago's radar this winter.

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