Levine: "[Chicago] Cubs Working Hard On Acquiring Bullpen Pitchers"

[Matthew Lenz]

The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their bullpen and have been tied to multiple names on the market. Adding to the list of potential additions, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score is reporting that the Chicago Cubs have "discussed Baltimore Orioles' Seranthony Dominguez and Tampa Bay Rays Pete Fairbanks." It's worth noting that the Rays aren't sent on moving Fairbanks at the deadline.

Dominguez is having a solid 2025 season, with Through 39 2/3 innings pitched across 41 appearances, he holds a 3.63 ERA. Dominguez continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher with a K% of 30.7%, however his walk rate has been a bit elevated, with a BB% of 14.5%, leading to a K-BB% of 16.2%. Despite the walks, he has been a reliable option in late-inning situations for the Orioles.

Fairbanks has made 39 appearances and pitched 38 innings, He's posted a solid 2.84 ERA and has racked up 17 saves. While his strikeout rate (K% of 20.3%) is not as dominant as some top-tier relievers, his control remains decent with a BB% of 9.5%, leading to an 10.8% K-BB%. Despite some battles with consistency early in the season, Fairbanks has settled in to be a dependable back-end bullpen arm for the Rays.

Do either of these players interest you? Join the conversation in the comments!

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[Tryptamine]

Don't think Seranthony is better than what they have and will have. He does provide swing and miss which the pen definitely lacks, but he also walks a ton of people. Not sure what I feel about Fairbanks. That 2.8 HR/FB% is certainly not going to last and barely a 2:1 K/BB is hardly thrilling. 

[Ding Dong Johnson]

They don’t have to be great, they just need to be better than Kriske or Roberts or Pearson. I’d like another Thielbar since the Pomeranz pumpkin era has finally started.