Skip to content

Epstein: Cubs will look to add to bullpen before deadline

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball, leading the NL Central division by 2 1/2 games entering Sunday, but president of baseball operations Theo Epstein still thinks his club can be improved.

Esptein might add an arm to his team's bullpen before the trade deadline to make it better.

"You're always looking to upgrade this time of year when you have a competitive team," Epstein told MLB.com's Carrie Muskat Sunday. "No matter how well your 'pen has pitched, there's always a desire to look around and see if you can tweak it and improve it. You're always cognizant of the fact that you can address it after July 31."

Although the Cubs bullpen owns the second-lowest ERA (3.37) in the NL, Epstein and his front office have been working diligently to acquire arms.

The Cubs traded for right-hander Jesse Chavez on Thursday and have been "deeply involved" in conversations with the Baltimore Orioles about closer Zach Britton, according to a report.

"Pitching is the main need," Epstein explained. "The end of August, we might be looking for somebody who can play defense or steal a bag. I'm not saying we have a perfect position-player group, but (prospect) David Bote is a really good player and we can't find a spot for him now. There are intriguing guys out there who you'd love to have, but roster space and playing time are realities you can't get around."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox