The Chicago Cubs are on the hunt for some bullpen help. On Wednesday, the team signed veteran pitcher Jorge Lopez to a minor-league deal. The agreement comes in the aftermath of Lopez’s rocky tenure as a member of the New York Mets this season.
Lopez was designated for assignment by the Mets after some questionable antics both on and off the field. But with holes aplenty in the bullpen, the Cubs are searching for any help they can get this season.
While it’s only a minor-league deal, it’s reasonable to expect Lopez will make his way to the big leagues soon. If not for his outburst in New York, it stands to reason that he’d still be with the Mets.
Before his divorce with the Mets, Lopez was having a decent season. His 3.76 ERA seemingly had him lined up as a possible trade candidate at the deadline. Now, the Cubs don't have to give up anything for his services.
Craig Counsell is aware of what Jorge Lopez can bring to the bullpen. The reliever debuted with the Milwaukee Brewers before a 2018 trade-deadline swap that sent him to the Kansas City Royals.
The 31-year-old also brings closing experience to the organization. As a member of the Baltimore Orioles, Lopez found great success in the role. He’s since bounced around the league, but he's a proven arm that the Cubs can lean on.
With Hector Neris's meltdown on Tuesday, it's clear that the Cubs need reinforcements to ease his burden. The North Siders should add more, preferably a closer with recent success under his belt.
Lopez is a solid addition. If he can flourish away from the Mets, the Cubs will get a big boost to a glaring weakness. Jed Hoyer still has his work cut out for him if he wants to get the Cubs back into the playoff hunt.
