The Chicago Cubs started off the 2025 season hot.
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However, the Cubs suffered a few major injuries (Justin Steele) to the pitching staff and didn’t do enough at the trade deadline to boost a roster that was leading the NL Central at the All-Star break.
Chicago lost star right fielder Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. But the team added third baseman Alex Bregman in an aggressive bid to be competitive in the National League in the upcoming season.
While the roster has key pieces, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has some concerns with his pitching staff before the season. He’s especially worried about the bullpen.
“The bullpen is where the team has turned over the most and looks different the most,” Counsell said in January, via MLB.com. “Also, we know that’s an area of volatility on all teams. So, I don’t think we’ll have solid answers on that for a while.
“I think we’ve brought what we think is a talented group to form a really good unit. But, like roles? It’s going to be into the season before we kind of probably establish some things.”
The Chicago Cubs have depth issues in the bullpen
Oct 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) reacts against the San Diego Padres during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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Jordan Bastian expects these pitchers to be locks to make the bullpen on Opening Day: RHP Hunter Harvey, RHP Phil Maton, LHP Hoby Milner, RHP Daniel Palencia, LHP Caleb Thielbar and RHP Jacob Webb.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Cubs do with their bullpen during the season. Chicago surrendered too many games in late innings last season. The Cubs couldn’t trust Ryan Pressly as its closer.
Chicago’s bullpen ranked N0.24 with an ERA of 4.27 in 2025.
Daniel Palencia appears to be the man to be the closer in 2026. Last season he earned a 2.91 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.08 FIP, 10.4 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 in 52.2 innings pitched. However his postseason numbers were worse, earning a 3.52 ERA.
The Cubs will need their bats and starting pitching to be strong until Counsell sorts out an issue that has haunted the team for the past few seasons.
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Chicago Cubs’ overlooked bullpen x-factor could be key asset
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