The Chicago Cubs aren’t finished making moves, with reports indicating that they’re targeting another starting pitcher and bullpen help. While adding another bat is still a possibility, the front office has emphasized improving the pitching staff.
There are several routes the Cubs could take in this pursuit.
One option is adding a left-handed starter, though that raises some potential concerns. Having four left-handed starters in a playoff series could become problematic, but the Cubs might find a creative solution.
For example, they could sign someone like Jeff Hoffman, who insiders suggest is eager to return to starting. Hoffman has been performing at a high level in recent years, though mostly in a bullpen role. Transitioning back to a starting role might come with challenges, but he has experience as a starter.
This wouldn’t be a completely new role for Hoffman, just one he hasn’t occupied in a while.
If Hoffman doesn’t pan out as a starter, the Cubs could always move him back to the bullpen, potentially using him as a closer. Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball believes Hoffman is a good fit for Chicago, predicting a three-year, $33 million deal for him.
“Predicting contracts for relievers is typically a fool’s errand, as years and AAV can vary wildly. Jeff Hoffman is coming off a fantastic last few seasons with the Phillies, where he posted a 2.28 ERA over 122 appearances … Since our original prediction on Hoffman, it has been reported that he is being shopped as a potential starter, as teams may consider stretching him out, just like the Mets are planning to do with recently signed Clay Holmes. When it comes to the team prediction, we will stick with the Cubs,” Finkelstein wrote.
What makes Hoffman appealing is his flexibility. If he succeeds as a starter, it would be a bonus for the Cubs, but if not, they could use him in a bullpen role, potentially as a closer or setup man. While he’s not as much of a sure thing as other pitchers on the market, there’s certainly intrigue around what Hoffman could bring to either role.