The Quiet Cubs Bullpen Success Story: A New Chapter Overseas
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen has been a source of success under Jed Hoyer's leadership, and last season was no exception. Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, and Drew Pomeranz are shining examples of Hoyer's ability to turn reclamation projects into triumphs. But one player who might have been overlooked is Chris Flexen.
Flexen signed a minor league contract with the Cubs last offseason, primarily serving as depth at Triple-A Iowa. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga propelled him into the bullpen as a swing man. And what a turn it was! Flexen's initial 21 innings with the team were flawless, not giving up a single earned run.
But as they say, good things come to an end. Flexen's luck ran out, and he gave up 17 runs and 7 home runs in his final 9 outings, a stark contrast to his earlier performance. Despite his impressive start, Flexen's fate with the Cubs was sealed when he was released in early August.
The 31-year-old Flexen is now heading overseas, reportedly signing with the Doosan Bears of the KBO. This move could be a turning point in his career, similar to other Major League pitchers who have found success in the KBO before returning to the States. If Flexen can maintain his form, he might be the next Cody Ponce, who is reportedly in line for a lucrative multi-year deal in the neighborhood of $40 million this offseason.
The Cubs' bullpen still has room for improvement. While signing Phil Maton was a positive step, they have since missed out on Ryan Helsley and Devin Williams. Adding another established arm would be ideal, especially as Hoyer continues to seek out hidden gems like Flexen. The question remains: will the Cubs find their next big success story in the bullpen this offseason?
