Manager Joe Maddon said this week the Chicago Cubs need to "firm up" their bullpen and rumors have suggested the front office has already begun exploring options. A couple of new names have entered the mix.
The first being Rafael Soriano.
"The Cubs are looking at Rafael Soriano as another way to upgrade their bullpen," Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago first reported last night.
"Before the game [agent Scott] Boras was coy about the Cubs' interest in another client, reliever Rafael Soriano," writes Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com. "Soriano is un-signed but working out for teams. The Cubs have inquired, but one scout said recently Soriano hasn't performed well, which is possibly one reason he hasn't signed yet. Stay tuned."
The 35-year-old went 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.129 WHIP, 59 strikeouts and 32 saves in 64 games (62 innings) with the Washington Nationals last season. However, there have been concerns about his influence in the clubhouse, which perhaps caused teams to back off on signing him. Soriano has racked up 117 saves over the past three seasons with the Nationals and New York Yankees.
There has also been speculation regarding a trade for Jonathan Papelbon, but Chicago would likely have to surrender a prospect and inherit the remaining money on the closer's contract, which is at least $20 million at this point. Another late-inning arm could be made available in a trade that could appeal to the Cubs as well.
Tyler Clippard of the Oakland Athletics may eventually be dealt by general manager Billy Beane. The A's (14-29) have the worst record in the MLB and they could be sellers at the deadline if the losing continues. Clippard would be a prime trade candidate because he'll be a free agent after the season and he's been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball since 2009.
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden says the Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers are interested in the right-hander after talking to a number of front office executives. He also predicts Clippard will certainly be gone before the deadline.
The 30-year-old has a 2.50 ERA and 1.056 WHIP in 16 games (18 innings) so far with Oakland.
Keep an eye out for Chicago to make a move for a late-inning reliever in the coming weeks.
