clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

MLB trade rumors: Cubs interested in Brandon Morrow, Addison Reed

Improving the bullpen is a major priority for Theo Epstein this offseason

World Series - Houston Astros v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Six Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

The Cubs are looking for bullpen reinforcements, and could be interested in free agents Brandon Morrow and Addison Reed, according to reports.

The bullpen was a major hole in the Cubs’ chances to repeat as champions this season, while they saw an effective Dodgers bullpen blow past the Cubs en route to a World Series appearance.

One of the strongest bullpen arms for the Dodgers in the NLCS was Morrow, who held the Cubs scoreless through 4 23 innings in the series. Morrow faltered in the World Series, which was likely due to fatigue given the 32-year-old’s postseason workload.

Reed was traded from the Mets to the Red Sox over the summer, and remained a reliable and productive arm in the later innings. The 28-year-old averaged a strikeout per inning while furthering his reputation as a durable bullpen arm who has yet to see the disabled list in his career.

Wade Davis was the closer for the Cubs in 2017, but is a free agent as well. The Cubs were reportedly interested in bringing Davis back, but are clearly keeping their options open should Davis take more money elsewhere.