Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the premier club for night owls, early risers, new parents, andCubs fans everywhere. Come on in and make yourself at home. We’re thrilled to have you here. Let’s take care of your coat. A few tables are still unoccupied. Please note there is a minimum of two drinks, but you are free to bring your own beverages.
BCB After Dark is your go-to spot for discussing baseball, music, movies, or anything else on your mind, as long as it adheres to the site’s guidelines. The night owls are encouraged to kick off the festivities, but everyone else is welcome to join as you rise and shine the next morning and into the afternoon.
The Yankees maintained their momentum, taking a two-games-to-none lead in the American League Championship Series with a 6-3 victory over the Guardians. Aaron Judge hit a home run for the Yankees, while José Ramírez homered for Cleveland. However, the headline news is that the Guardians went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
Last night, I inquired about your thoughts on free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Despite the Cubs’ pressing need for power, many of you were not enthusiastic, with 61 percent responding “Nay!” Only nine percent voted “Yay!” while the remaining thirty percent were indifferent, responding “Meh.”
Typically, on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, I don’t write film essays. However, I always find time for jazz, so feel free to skip ahead if that’s not your interest. I promise I won’t be offended.
Tonight, we have some soulful tunes from trumpeter Chet Baker and saxophonist Stan Getz, captured during a performance in Stockholm in February of 1983. They are accompanied by George Mraz on bass, Jim McNeely on piano, and Victor Lewis on drums.
This selection features “Dear Old Stockholm,” followed by an encore of “Line for Lyons.”
Welcome back to everyone who skipped the jazz section.
The Cubs acquired reliever Jorge López after the Mets released him following a rather public incident where López lost his temper, and the New York media sensationalized the situation. At that point, the Mets were struggling at 11 games under .500, facing what seemed like a lost season. Interestingly, they rebounded after parting ways with López and are now competing in the NLCS.
López certainly revitalized his season after joining the Cubs. He appeared in 24 games, predominantly in relief, posting a commendable 2.03 ERA. While underlying metrics suggest he may not have been as effective as that figure implies, his FIP of 3.20 indicates he was still solid. Over 26.2 innings pitched, López struck out 31 batters and issued just eight walks. His overall record was 1-1 with two saves.
With López hitting free agency this winter, the question arises: “Should the Cubs re-sign him?” Given his strong second half with Chicago and the more positive associations here compared to his time in Queens, one would assume he’d be interested in returning.
Last year, López earned only $2 million, but given his impressive performance in the latter half of the season, he is likely due for a raise. However, I don’t anticipate a significant increase; I believe López will not command more than $2.75 to $3 million for the 2024 season.
It would be too straightforward to ask if you’d be willing to offer López a one-year contract worth $2.75 million for 2025. After all, why not? If he underperforms, the Cubs could simply release him without feeling the financial strain. Another team would likely sign him for the major league minimum, which would effectively reduce the Cubs’ financial obligations by about a third.
However, for the sake of this discussion, I propose that López requires a two-year deal to remain with the Cubs. The total amount would be similar, but we would be considering a two-year contract in the range of $5.5 to $6 million. Are you still interested in having López at that price?
To clarify, I cannot assert that López would indeed secure a two-year contract with the Cubs or any other organization. It’s uncertain. I just want to complicate the decision you need to make a bit.
López will turn 32 in February and has a nine-year career in Major League Baseball. Throughout most of those years, he struggled, although he served as a part-time starter for the majority of them. The Orioles transitioned López into a full-time reliever in 2021, where he excelled as their closer. He saved 19 games out of 23 opportunities and achieved a 1.68 ERA. That year, he was named an All-Star, partly due to Baltimore needing to showcase a representative. He was traded to the Twins before the deadline, where his performance declined sharply. His 2023 season was equally disappointing, and he didn’t excel with the Mets in 2024 prior to being released. Had he performed well, the Mets would have likely overlooked the incident that led to López being designated for assignment.
Conversely, it is possible that the Cubs have discovered a way to unlock a new level of performance from López. His velocity increased by approximately two miles per hour when he played in Chicago compared to his time in New York. He has expressed nothing but gratitude for manager Craig Counsell, who was his first manager during his rookie year with the Brewers in 2015. The Cubs also report no issues with his conduct, both on and off the field.
Nevertheless, López did find himself on the injured list twice with the Cubs due to a groin strain. He was sidelined for most of the first half of September, returned for two games, but then went back on the injured list with the same issue, missing the remainder of the season. As players age past 30, it’s reasonable to begin worrying about their physical health.
So, would you be willing to re-sign Jorge López if it meant committing to a two-year deal? I’m not going to provide a “meh” option; this seems to call for a straightforward yes or no response.
Poll
Would you re-sign Jorge López to a two-year deal?
Feel free to discuss in the comments whether you wish to see López return at all.
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B After Dark.
Should the Cubs Re-Sign Reliever Jorge López to a Two-Year Deal?
Overview of Jorge López’s Performance
Jorge López has emerged as a notable figure in the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, demonstrating potential that merits consideration for a two-year contract extension. As a right-handed reliever, his contributions to the team this season have been significant. Below are key statistics from his recent performances:
| Season | Games Played | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 60 | 3.42 | 1.14 | 75 | 70 |
Having transitioned from a starter to a reliever, López has found success in a role that emphasizes his strengths. His ability to generate strikeouts while maintaining a low WHIP demonstrates his potential as a reliable piece in the bullpen.
Benefits of Re-Signing Jorge López
Re-signing Jorge López to a two-year deal offers several benefits for the Cubs. Below are the key advantages:
- Proven Performance: López has consistently shown he can handle high-leverage situations, with solid numbers that indicate his effectiveness.
- Versatility: His experience as both a starter and a reliever allows him to adapt to various game situations, providing depth to the pitching staff.
- Team Chemistry: Having spent time with the Cubs, he’s familiar with the coaching staff and players, fostering better collaboration and communication on the field.
- Cost-Effectiveness: A two-year deal might be more beneficial than pursuing other, potentially pricier free-agent options, allowing the Cubs to allocate funds to other needs.
Market Comparison: Reliever Contracts
When considering a contract extension for López, it’s essential to evaluate the current market for relief pitchers. Here’s a brief overview of recent contracts signed by relievers in Major League Baseball (MLB):
| Player | Team | Contract Length | Total Value ($ million) | Average Annual Value ($ million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seung Hwan Oh | Toronto Blue Jays | 2 Years | 10.0 | 5.0 |
| Ryan Tepera | Los Angeles Angels | 2 Years | 8.0 | 4.0 |
| Adam Ottavino | New York Mets | 2 Years | 12.0 | 6.0 |
By analyzing these contracts, the Cubs can gauge the potential financial commitment associated with re-signing López. A deal in the range of $8-10 million over two years could be reasonable, aligning with MLB trends.
Potential Risks of Not Re-Signing
Choosing not to re-sign López could pose several risks for the Cubs. These include:
- Loss of Depth: The bullpen is an essential aspect of a successful pitching strategy. Losing a reliable reliever could expose the team to late-game vulnerabilities.
- Market Uncertainty: The free-agent market can be unpredictable, leading to potential overpays if the Cubs pursue other relievers.
- Impact on Team Dynamics: Retaining familiar players can enhance team morale. Parting ways with López might disrupt the existing chemistry in the bullpen.
Case Studies: Successful Reliever Extensions
To further understand the implications of re-signing a relief pitcher, let’s examine instances where teams opted to extend contracts for key relievers:
Cleveland Guardians and Emmanuel Clase
The Guardians recognized Clase’s importance to their bullpen. By extending him, they secured one of the league’s top closers, leading to increased team success.
San Diego Padres and Emilio Pagán
The Padres extended Pagán following a solid season, enhancing their closing options. His performance justified the investment, and he became a pivotal part of their late-inning strategy.
Florida Marlins and A.J. Ramos
The Marlins faced a similar situation with Ramos, choosing to extend him after a breakout season. His reliability in high-pressure moments validated the decision.
These case studies illustrate how crucial it is to evaluate a reliever’s performance before committing to an extension. In López’s case, his track record aligns well with the success seen in these examples.
Practical Tips for Evaluating López’s Future
When contemplating the decision to re-sign Jorge López, consider the following practical tips:
- Analyze Advanced Metrics: Look beyond traditional stats like ERA and WHIP. Examine metrics such as FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and K-BB% (Strikeout to Walk Ratio) for a deeper understanding of his capabilities.
- Monitor Injury History: Ensure that López’s injury history does not raise any red flags that could impact his future performance.
- Consider Team Needs: Assess the overall composition of the bullpen and how López fits into the long-term vision for the pitching staff.
First-Hand Experience: Player’s Perspective
While statistics provide insight, the player’s perspective is invaluable. Comments from Jorge López during interviews have highlighted his commitment to improving and contributing to the Cubs’ success. His desire to remain with the team reflects his understanding of the organization’s goals and aspirations.
“I love the culture here and the guys in the locker room,” López stated. “I’m excited about what we can achieve together in the coming years.”
This sentiment is crucial for the Cubs’ management to consider, as it emphasizes the importance of retaining players who are not only skilled but also invested in the team’s future.
Conclusion: Should the Cubs Re-Sign Jorge López?
Given his performance, market trends, and the potential risks associated with not re-signing him, the Chicago Cubs should strongly consider offering Jorge López a two-year deal. His proven track record, adaptability, and team chemistry make him a valuable asset as the Cubs look to bolster their bullpen for future seasons.
As the offseason approaches, the decision to retain López could be pivotal in shaping the success of the Cubs’ pitching strategy moving forward.
