The Chicago Cubs recently made quite a splash in the trade market. Chicago traded a package of players to the Houston Astros to acquire superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. This move is a clear indication that Chicago is looking to win in 2025 rather than repeat the mediocre season from 2024. But what’s next for the Cubs? FanSided’s Michael Brakebill recently predicted the Cubs would sign Texas Rangers closer Kirby Yates in free agency. Yates is projected to sign a two-year, $28 million deal, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

“Last season, the Cubs blew 26 saves, the 6th worst in the league. If the team were closer to at least the top 10 with only 20, their record would have been 89-73, which would be suitable for Wild Card territory in 2024,” Brakebill wrote. “Yates had an elite season this year, posting a 1.17 ERA with 33 saves, his best campaign in the last five years. Was it a fluke bounce back, or is there reason to believe there could be sustained success?”

Yates would be a huge addition to a Cubs bullpen that struggled mightily in 2024. The veteran righty would provide Cubs manager Craig Counsell with a reliable option to close games down, which Chicago doesn’t have right now. If the Cubs don’t land Yates, there are plenty of other options available in free agency. Most of the other high-end relievers, like Tanner Scott and Carlos Estévez, would be much more costly for the Cubs.