The Cubs received a lift Tuesday night when veteran reliever Pedro Strop returned from a four-week stay on the injured list and earned the save in a 6-3 win over the Rockies at Wrigley Field.
And efforts to improve the bullpen have intensified.
The Cubs are "pushing hard" for seven-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, according to a tweet by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
Interest in Kimbrel, a 31-year-old free agent, has accelerated because interested teams no longer will lose a draft pick if they sign him. In nine major-league seasons with three teams, Kimbrel has a 1.91 ERA with 333 saves and a strikeout rate of 14.7 per nine innings.
"It's not a secret how good he is," Strop said before Tuesday's game. "If he's not the best, he's one of the best. We're glad to have him here if they bring him here."
The Cubs reportedly could have more financial freedom if infielder Ben Zobrist doesn't return. Zobrist four weeks ago was placed on the restricted list, and the balance of his contract is about $9.3 million, which could be earmarked toward signing Kimbrel.
The Twins, Brewers and Phillies also are believed to be interested in Kimbrel, who was believed to be seeking a long-term deal after becoming a free agent last fall.
The Cubs have been hesitant in the past to sign a closer to a long-term deal, but Kimbrel would be a difference-maker. As of Sunday, manager Joe Maddon said the front office hadn't alerted him about interest in Kimbrel.
