Chicago Cubs Strengthen Bullpen

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs had an all star bullpen that included John Lackey, Jon Lester, and Jake Arrieta. But after a slew of injuries, the defending champs lost John Lackey for the season and the bullpen has had a combined ERA average of 4.77. It doesn't help the fact that they are 5.5 games behind the first place Brewers either. Somehow they needed to find a good closer to help out the bullpen, but they didn't need to travel far.

In the south side of Chicago, pitcher Jose Quintana got traded to the champs in exchange for 5 minor leaguers Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Matt Rose and Bryant Flete. In 2017 with the White Sox, Quintana had a 4-8 record with a 4.49 ERA and 109 K. This is a good trade for both Chicago teams to strengthen both struggling bullpens. Now that Quintana is in North Chicago, he should be a good fit for the Cubs' pitching staff despite his record and ERA. But the other pitchers in the bullpen need to get healthy if they and the Cubs defense are going to challenge the Brewers for the NL Central pennant.