3 moves Cubs new GM Carter Hawkins can make to impress fans
By Ethan Lee
No. 2: Bring Ryan Tepera back to the Chicago Cubs
Ryan Tepera’s time with the Chicago Cubs was pretty short, he’s technically still in Chicago. Tepera spent most of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays before making his way to the Cubs. After spending the entirety of the 2020 season with the Cubs, he was traded across town to the White Sox where he assisted his new team in getting to the ALDS.
As he enters free agency, Tepera has done more than enough to demonstrate to both Chicago teams how valuable he can be as a relief pitcher. Hawkins has a chance to recognize and reward that value by bringing him back to the Cubs.
Throughout his career, Tepera has a 3.48 ERA in the regular season. That’s not too bad at all for a relief pitcher, but he improved upon that a bit while he was with the Cubs. During the 64 regular-season games he played for the Cubs, Tepera recorded a 3.23 ERA and struck out 81 opposing batters.
In his brief time with the White Sox, his ERA was even more impressive. Sure, there’s a small sample size, but Tepera had a 2.50 ERA in 22 regular-season games.
Once the White Sox reached the postseason, their newly-acquired relief pitcher helped keep the Astros from doing any damage during his time on the mound. Tepera struck out three batters during 4.2 innings pitched and managed to give up just two hits and one earned run.
It never hurts to have a good relief pitcher in your bullpen and Tepera is right there available, assuming he’s interested, that is.