By Jordan Long
The Chicago Cubs are keeping reliever Brian Duensing. He agreed to a 2-year deal worth $7 million. The contract is pending him passing a physical.
Duensing pitched in the middle to late innings. Manager Joe Maddon counted on him to force groundouts, fly outs, or even strike batters out. Duensing came in when starting pitchers were in trouble. He worked out of jams, not allowing hits or runs. Duensing was 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA. He gave up 6 home runs but walked 18, far too many.
In the postseason Duensing pitched in 5.1 innings. He only allowed 1 hit, 1 run, but walked 4. He had 4 strikeouts and his record was 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA.
The Cubs are looking to strengthen the bullpen for another postseason run this upcoming season. They lost closer Wade Davis to the Colorado Rockies. The closer position is wide open. Duensing might be competing for that spot in Spring Training. He has not been a closer but has 2 saves but 10 blown saves in his 9 year MLB career. If that doesn’t work out during spring ball, at least Duensing can be counted on in middle to late innings.
The Cubs know what Duensing brings to the table. They didn’t want to take a risk of another team signing him. Chicago took their time and didn’t overpay for Duensing. It took a while but at least he will be in a Cubs uniform for the next 2 years. If he pitches well, Duensing could stay on the Northside of Chicago for the rest of his career. For now, he is hoping to help the Cubs win games and another long postseason run.
What do you think of the Chicago Cubs agreeing to a 2-year deal with Brian Duensing?
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