NL Central: A Cubs closer shift on the horizon?
Jul 29 2024
Héctor Neris (RHP, CHC) has had a bumpy season, but he may be getting hot at just the right time for the Cubs to sell him at the trade deadline. Across seven appearances in July, he’s maintained a 1.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, with an impressive 8:2 K:BB. The team is also preparing, whether intentionally or not, for a potential shift in the closer role, regardless of Neris’ status on the roster.
The name likely on everyone’s mind at the moment is Nate Pearson (RHP, CHC), whom the Cubs acquired Saturday from Toronto. His results this season suggest he’s nothing close to closer worthy (5.62 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 1.8 HR/9), but his skills have been far better (18 K-BB%, 3.94 xERA). Watching how the Cubs deploy Pearson with...
Almost!
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