Report: Cubs showing interest in Morrow as closer

In an attempt to bolster the back end of the bullpen, the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in free-agent reliever Brandon Morrow for their vacant closer role, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Southpaw reliever Mike Minor is another free agent the Cubs have reportedly considered if they fail to bring back former closer Wade Davis this offseason.

Of the two options, Morrow has more experience in a ninth-inning role as he converted 16 saves with the Seattle Mariners from 2008 to 2009. After failing as a starter, the 33-year-old has been effective out of the bullpen in limited action from 2015 to 2017 with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Morrow finished this past season with a 2.06 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and two saves in 45 regular-season games.

Minor converted from a starter to a reliever in 2017 and saw immediate success. In 65 games with the Kansas City Royals, the left-hander pitched to a career-high 2.55 ERA, converting six saves and striking out 88 batters.