The Chicago Cubs could still upgrade their bullpen with this free agent addition.

Throughout the latter part of the 2023 season, it looked like the Chicago Cubs were a lock to make the playoffs.

They held onto a Wild Card spot for a long time before their late year collapse caused them to miss the postseason for the third consecutive time.

Bullpen issues were a main reason why.

Injuries had piled up and the healthy ones left on the staff were overworked and didn’t bring their best stuff when called upon.

Knowing this, the Cubs’ front office addressed some of those concerns with acquisitions throughout the winter.

One of the best pickups they had was signing Hector Neris to a one-year, $9 million contract with a club option for 2025.

The right-hander has been lights out with the Houston Astros the past two seasons, posting an ERA+ of 150. Last year was his best as a Major League player, recording a 1.71 ERA across his 71 appearances.

Chicago is getting a bona fide elite reliever.

So, why shouldn’t they go back to the well and sign another former Astros reliever this offseason?

It was previously reported they were interested in Ryne Stanek.

There has been no update on his free agency with the Cubs, or any other team for that matter, which is surprising considering his ERA+ of 142 over the past three years.

He was a staple in Houston’s bullpen that was widely considered one of the best in baseball during the time he was there.

Maybe the 4.09 ERA and 4.60 FIP he put up in 2023 is scaring off some teams, but this late in the free agency process, it’s unlikely he’s commanding a huge contract that would scare off clubs.

Chicago needs to continue upgrading their bullpen before the season starts.

Stanek should be a real option they look into.