The Chicago Cubs are in need of a closer to complete their bullpen for 2025. At the moment, their bullpen consists mainly of middle relievers and a few late-inning pitchers, but they lack a true closer to elevate the unit. Fortunately, there are still potential options they can explore.
Tanner Scott is the top target in the reliever market, but the Cubs also have infield gaps that require significant investment. However, Kirby Yates could provide the best of both worlds for the team. Yates finished the 2024 season as dominant as ever, posting a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves over 61 games.
At 37 years old, he recorded his best career ERA, proving that age hasn’t diminished his ability to be one of the league’s top relievers. For a team like the Cubs, which is close to contention, adding Yates would be a significant boost. According to Baseball Savant, Yates ranked in the 98th percentile for strikeout rate and the 100th percentile for expected ERA in 2024, highlighting his elite performance.
Yates is expected to sign a one-year, $7 million deal based on his market value, with the possibility of a higher price tag but likely no more than $10 million.
While the Cubs can’t spend as freely as teams like the Dodgers or Yankees, they can make the most of their available funds. Adding a closer like Yates could be the key to boosting their chances of winning the National League Central division.
