Discover how the Chicago Cubs enhance their bullpen with Yency Almonte and Hector Neris while making tough roster decisions, designating promising reliever Michael Rucker for assignment.
The Chicago Cubs address bullpen issues by acquiring Yency Almonte and signing Hector Neris. However, promising reliever Michael Rucker faces designation amid roster adjustments.
In a proactive move to fortify their bullpen, the Chicago Cubs made strategic offseason acquisitions, bringing in Yency Almonte via a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and signing former Houston Astros elite reliever Hector Neris to a one-year deal. These moves addressed the lack of depth that plagued the Cubs in the late stages of the previous season, ultimately leading to fatigue among available players.
The front office’s focus was clear – infuse the bullpen with high-profile arms capable of assuming starring roles and creating the necessary depth to navigate potential challenges in the 2024 season.
However, the process of adding talent also involved making tough decisions to open up roster space. As a result, the Cubs were compelled to designate promising reliever Michael Rucker for assignment following Neris’s acquisition, as Bruce Levine of 670 the Score reported.
Michael Rucker, originally a Cubs’ 11th-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, showcased versatility in the minors, alternating between starting and relieving roles. After excelling as a starter in 2018, Rucker transitioned to a full-time relief role before making his Major League debut in 2021.
During the 2022 season, Rucker made 41 appearances, achieving a career-best ERA of 3.95 and an ERA+ of 106 across 54 2/3 innings pitched. Despite this success, he experienced time in the minors. The challenges persisted in the following season as his ERA rose to 4.91 during 35 appearances.
While the 29-year-old Rucker could potentially contribute to the Cubs’ bullpen in 2024, his future hangs in the balance, dependent on whether another team claims him. If unclaimed, he may embark on another stint in the minors, seeking to refine his skills and make a compelling case for a return to the Major League stage.
As the Cubs make strategic moves to bolster their bullpen, the designation of Michael Rucker underscores the challenging decisions involved in shaping a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
More from Wisdom Imbibe:
- Cubs Bolster Bullpen with Almonte and Neris, Designate Rucker for Assignment
- Baltimore Orioles Secure All-Star Pitcher Corbin Burnes in Blockbuster Trade.
