Chicago Cubs to retain Carlos Marmol as closer – MLB News
Away from the action-packed regular and post-season, the offseason continues to generate lively debate over the new contracts and trade deals. While Winter Meetings are also underway, the Chicago Cubs are putting the finishing touches to their deal with Japanese pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa.
The two-year $9.5 million contract, which also includes vesting options valued at $5.5 million or $6 million, to be determined by games finished, will bring the second Japanese player to the Chicago Cubs after Kosuke Fukudome.
But while the deal is to see completion on Friday, question being asked is about the potential role of Carlos Marmol. In fact, what is being asked is whether the Cubs are retaining the pitcher or intend to trade.
It was only last month when the news of his being traded to Los Angeles Angels came to fore, suggesting the Cubs would get Dan Haren by sending him there.
However, Jed Hoyer – the Cubs' general manager, has an altogether different view about it. The closer who converted 20 out of 23 opportunities is likely to stay.
"Marmol, he's our closer,” Jed Hoyer said Tuesday. "He had a great second half for us. You have to give credit to the pitcher. He did a great job, threw his fastball a lot more. I do think [pitching coach] Chris Bosio deserves a lot of credit for learning about the player and seeing what he could do and really being clear.”
While Fujikawa comes with a credential that is beyond disputation, owing to its brilliance – having had 220 saves in the 12 seasons, Carlos Marmol is no less of a great competitor. That is what makes it abundantly clear that the Cubs will have Marmol as the closer.
"We were clear and are clear as we put a bullpen together that he's going to be our closer," Hoyer said. "Whether we end up signing additional relief pitchers, I think we see Carlos as our closer."
In the final year of his contract, Marmol is expected to execute and accomplish the kind of quality closing when he is faced with fierce competition.
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