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Guys, we all love Pedro Strop, he’s the best reliever in Cubs history and he stepped up big in 2018 after Brandon Morrow went down, however, Jesse Chavez was the savior in the bullpen last season.
Chavez pitched in 39 innings for the Cubs after the Rangers traded him to Chicago in July and he allowed a total of five runs in three games. The veteran righty put up a 1.15 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. He only gave up two earned runs in his last 21 appearances.
After the season Chavez was emotional and said he wanted to come back to the Cubs in 2019 or he was done (retire) after the team was bounced from the playoffs by the Rockies. Obviously not what his agent wanted to hear, but hey there was real interest in Chavez wanting to return.
Oh and by the way, the Cubs could really use a few relievers, because aside from Strop and Steve Cishek who do you really trust in the bullpen right now? Yeah, Chavez would have fit in perfectly with the Cubs in 2019, but apparently a two-year deal at $8 million wasn’t worth it.
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On Tuesday, Chavez and the Rangers reached an agreement.
Sources: Right-hander Jesse Chavez and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a two-year deal in the $8 million range. @Feinsand had the sides close on a deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 27, 2018
Jesse Chavez to Rangers, per reports. Two year deal was a key selling point for him.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) November 27, 2018
Couldn’t give him another $4 million, huh?
All right. So, the Cubs lose their best free agent reliever and I’m not completely pissed because there are plenty of other relief pitchers in free agency, so I fucking hope they have some sort of plan to address the bullpen because despite the good ERA in 2018, you can’t possibly look at it now and feel confident.
Jesse Chavez will be missed. Now, go sign somebody to replace him.
