Cubs must be desperate if they're targeting this Reds castoff

The Cincinnati Reds have been looking for additional left-handed options to help fill out their beleaguered bullpen before opening the 2023 season. But even the Reds aren't desperate to go to the same lengths as the Chicago Cubs.

Until recently, the Reds only had Reiver Sanmartin among their left-handed relievers. Cincinnati added former Chicago White Sox southpaw Bennett Sousa to the 40-man roster just last week.

Lefties Alex Young and Daniel Norris signed minor-league deals this offseason as well and are non-roster invitees in Reds camp. But the Cubbies appear to be going to extremes in order to find a left-handed pitcher.

Cubs must be desperate if they're targeting this Reds castoff.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Chicago Cubs are pursuing a few left-handed pitchers in free agency. Among those mentioned is former Cincinnati Reds starter Mike Minor. The Athletic also cites Zack Britton, Will Smith, and Brad Hand as other possible targets.

In one of the most bizarre trades from last season, Minor was dealt from the Kansas City Royals to the Reds in exchange for reliever Amir Garrett. The Reds owed Minor $10M in salary last season and declined his player option after an absolutely atrocious 2022 season.

Minor began the 2022 season on the Injured List, and one he debuted, there were many throughout Reds Country who would have preferred that he'd remained on it for the entire season. Minor went 4-12 with a 6.06 ERA and served up 24 home runs in 19 starts.

It's no wonder that Mike Minor is still available in free agency after such a horrid 2022 campaign. Perhaps the Chicago Cubs can capture lightning in a bottle and Minor can return to the form that made the 35-year-old a Cy Young Award candidate in 2019 with the Texas Rangers.