Cubs add more bullpen depth, acquire Lakins in trade with Red Sox

With closer Craig Kimbrell poised to get a full training camp and Rowan Wick and Kyle Ryan returning from years, the Cubs are feeling pretty good about the back end of their bullpen at this late stage of the off-season.

There are still five more relief spots to fill, and plenty of newcomers are going to get opportunities when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 12.

Travis Lakins is the latest name added to the list.

On Tuesday, the Cubs acquired the 25-year-old Lakins in a trade with the Red Sox for a player to be named or cash considerations.

Making his major-league debut with Boston last season, Lakins pitched in 16 games and was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA. The right-hander spent most of the year with Class AAA Pawtucket, where he was 3-4 with a 4.60 ERA in 40 games.

With the addition of Lakins, the Red Sox's sixth-round draft pick in 2015 out of Ohio State, the Cubs' 40-man roster now stands at 40.

Earlier this winter, the Cubs signed former closer Brandon Morrow, Jason Adam and Tyler Olson to minor-league contracts.

The Cubs also acquired Trevor Megill in the Rule 5 Draft, traded for Jharel Cotton and Casey Sadler and added Ryan Tepera and Dan Winkler.

Think spring:

The White Sox invited 27 players to spring training on Tuesday, including 12 prospects from the organization.

First-round draft picks Nick Madrigal (2018) and Andrew Vaughn (2019) head the list, with Gavin Sheets, Jonathan Stiever and Daniel Palka also getting invites.

Former Twins starter Adalberto Mejia and infielders Cheslor Cuthbert and Andrew Romine were among 15 free-agents who will be in camp after agreeing to minor-league contracts.