{"id":549546,"date":"2026-02-01T21:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T21:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/549546\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T21:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T21:46:19","slug":"chicago-cubs-manager-concerned-about-pitching-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/549546\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs manager concerned about pitching staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs<\/a> started off the 2025 season hot.<\/p>\n

More News: Cubs having trade conversations on Matt Shaw, another INF: Report<\/a><\/p>\n

However, the Cubs suffered a few major injuries (Justin Steele) to the pitching staff and didn\u2019t do enough at the trade deadline to boost a roster that was leading the NL Central at the All-Star break.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

While the roster has key pieces, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has some concerns with his pitching staff before the season. He\u2019s especially worried about the bullpen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bullpen is where the team has turned over the most and looks different the most,\u201d Counsell said in January, via<\/a>\u00a0MLB.com. \u201cAlso, we know that\u2019s an area of volatility on all teams. So, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll have solid answers on that for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve brought what we think is a talented group to form a really good unit. But, like roles? It\u2019s going to be into the season before we kind of probably establish some things.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs have depth issues in the bullpen
\n\"DanielOct 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<\/p>\n

More News: Chicago Cubs: Good Riddance Kyle Tucker?<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll 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\u2019t trust Ryan Pressly as its closer.<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s bullpen ranked N0.24 with an ERA of 4.27<\/a> in 2025.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Chicago Cubs\u2019 overlooked bullpen x-factor could be key asset
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