Cubs Tagged As Potential Landing Spot For Rays Closer

The Chicago Cubs enter Thursday leading the National League Central, fueled by their top-five offense.

The electrifying offense has masked injuries to their starting pitchers, but the bullpen has been a serious issue early in the season. If the Cubs are going to fend off the St. Louis Cardinals and the always dangerous Milwaukee Brewers down the stretch of the season, then the bullpen requires attention.

The Cubs' bullpen ranks 22nd in ERA in Major League Baseball and requires help as the Cardinals begin to surge and the Brewers lurk in the shadows, waiting for their opportunity. The Cubs offense enters Thursday tied for the second-most runs scored in MLB and has not shown signs of slowing down, but the bullpen is still in question.

Matthew Sullivan at Athlon Sports believes the Tampa Bay Rays have a solution for the Cubs' problem in the form of Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks is coming off back to back seasons of 20-plus saves and already has eight this year. The Rays entered Thursday in fourth place in the American League East, and with the dominance of the New York Yankees this year might end up being sellers come the trade deadline.

Fairbanks would be a welcome addition to the Northsiders' bullpen, sitting with a 2.65 ERA through 18 appearances this season. Fairbanks has yet to give up a home run; meanwhile, the Cubs' bullpen has given up 15 thus far this year.

Fairbanks is on the final year of his contract, but does have a team option for next season. If the Cubs make a move for the closer, they would have to consider picking up the option for next season based on the success of this year.

Fairbanks is 31 years old and has experienced a breakout in the past two seasons, lining him up to be a hot commodity if he winds up on the open market.

More MLB: 'Different Vibe': Could Cardinals Become Buyers At Trade Deadline After Hot Streak?