The Chicago Cubs have one of the top teams in the majors, but they need to figure out how to have their roster playing at the top of their abilities. With the free agents gone, there are still talent on the team to improve. One name that has been in line for a bounce-back is currently in the bullpen. Let’s take a look at who one MLB insider believes is the top player to get back to how well he performed in 2024.
Porter Hodge named as bounce-back candidate for the 2026 Chicago Cubs
Jun 6, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge (37) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
In an article discussing each MLB team’s bounceback candidate, writer Jordan Bastian named reliever Porter Hodge as the Cubs’ player to recover in 2026.
“The Cubs headed into this winter with multiple bullpen vacancies, but one key for ’26 will be having in-house arms to step up, too. That includes the 24-year-old Hodge, who emerged as a closing option as a rookie two seasons ago. In 39 games, the hard-throwing righty spun a 1.88 ERA with nine saves, 52 strikeouts, 19 walks and only 19 hits allowed (two homers) in 43 innings. In ’25, Hodge dealt with injuries and command woes, posting a 6.26 ERA in 33 innings between stints on the IL and at Triple-A Iowa. A bounceback from Hodge would go a long way toward shoring up the relief corps.”
The team has gone an improved upon the bullpen, adding four relievers (Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, Hoby Milner), so getting a bounce-back year from Hodge would certainly help. He is not expected to be in the later innings role, but would be one of the middle relievers to enter 2026 and has two options available, per Fangraphs. It will be intriguing to see how he is able to pitch in the 2026 season for Chicago. Hodge’s ability to get back to his 2024 form would do wonders for the bullpen as a whole.
Chicago Cubs are in a prime position to sign this major free agent
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