3 Potential Closer Replacements for Chicago Cubs Reliever Pedro Strop

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Pedro Strop has yet to perform as expected this season, as the Chicago Cubs' current closer is skating on thin ice through the first 10 days of the MLB season. If he puts in one or two more bad performances, it's more likely than not that he loses his ninth-inning duties in Chicago

Luckily, the Cubs have a few options, both internal and on the free-agent market, that could replace Strop in the ninth.

Here are three potential closer replacements for Strop that the Cubs could consider.

3. Steve Cishek, RP, Chicago Cubs

Steve Cishek is one internal option if Strop slips up. The 33-year-old righty had one bad outing this season, where he gave up three runs without recording an out, but has four other clean outings. He has plenty of experience in high-leverage situations, logging 125 career saves, including three seasons with at least 25.

2. Craig Kimbrel, Free Agent

It's pretty obvious that signing Craig Kimbrel could solve a lot of issues for the Cubs. Similar to when they traded for Aroldis Chapman, Kimbrel could be the difference in getting to and even winning a World Series. No arm that the Cubs currently have in their bullpen is as dominant in Kimbrel can be and bringing him to the North Side also seems like an organizational fit, as he would be paired with a few other former Red Sox in Jon Lester and GM Theo Epstein.

1. Brad Brach, RP, Chicago Cubs

Brad Brach is off to a a great start to the 2019 MLB season. He has pitched six innings, giving up just one earned run, while striking out five. He's pitched as a set-up man and as a closer over each of the last three seasons, tallying 32 saves and 44 holds in the process. He's pitching the best right now and could be the top internal option for the Cubs, if they choose not to spend more money in the free-agent market.

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