The Chicago Cubs finally made some significant moves to the roster. It’s not a big-splash free agent signing, but their bullpen has improved as a result. Chicago is looking for its first playoff appearance since Miami eliminated them in the National League Wild Card Series in 2020. The Cubs contended for a Wild Card spot last year before falling apart in September. Here is what the Cubs’ bullpen looks like heading into Spring Training.
The Cubs needed to fill some holes, and the bullpen was one of them. Their recent moves include a trade for Yency Almonte (which also included top prospect Michael Busch) and the signing of Hector Neris. These two relievers will help fill that reliever need the Cubs desperately had.
Currently, the Cubs’ have some options in their bullpen as they approach the new season. The answers for some fringe guys will come as Spring Training gets underway, but here is what we look at as pitchers and catchers report days after the Super Bowl.
Cubs’ Bullpen Depth Chart
According to the Cubs’ depth chart, here are the eight pitchers in the bullpen.
Adbert Alzolay (RHP)
Julian Merryweather (RHP)
Mark Leiter Jr.(RHP)
Drew Smyly (LHP)
Yency Almonte (RHP)
Daniel Palencia (RHP)
Luke Little (LHP)
Hector Neris (RHP)
Take this at face value, as some other pitchers could make bullpen appearances but are not listed on the depth chart. These pitchers include Hayden Wesneski, Keegan Thompson, Jose Cuas, Michael Rucker and Caleb Killian. The Cubs have a plethora of starting pitching talent, but it only makes sense that one or two of them become relievers on the big league roster.
Long-Relief Options for the Cubs
Long relief is an important part of the bullpen. There will be times when the starting pitcher does not have it, and that is when the long-relievers need to step up. Last season, the Cubs played 30 games in which their starter did not make it through four innings – this includes the few games from former manager David Ross, who decided to use an opener. There were even more games in which a starter did not make it through five innings. It is just something that happens throughout the season, and the Cubs need to be ready to go.
One thing to point out is that Drew Smyly is the only real long reliever in the bullpen. He has experience as a starter, but with the Cubs’ recent acquisition of Shota Imanaga, Smyly should be considered an arm for the bullpen. However, Craig Counsell could use Smyly’s experience as a starter to his advantage. Smyly is just one of two left-handed pitchers on the depth chart, so it does limit a few matchups. However, using him as a long-reliever would be in the best interest of the Cubs.
There are a few other options not on the depth chart that could take on the role of long-reliever, including Keegan Thompson. Thompson threw 28 2/3 innings in 19 appearances last season, but he could be used more in 2024. Thompson allowed opponents to hit just .194 off him in his short time up last season. He struggled as his solid contact percentage was very high, and his walk rate was up. However, he could be a good option as a long-reliever if he performs well in Spring Training.
Mid-Relief Options for the Cubs
Getting through the sixth and seventh innings is very important. Games are won and lost in the middle innings. These mid-relievers may not seem important, but their value should always be noticed. The Cubs have plenty of options regarding the middle innings, and a lot of it will depend on the matchups. Luke Little, Julien Merryweather, and Yency Almonte are the three that will most likely see the most innings if a guess had to be made. However, Daniel Palencia will see some time, as well.
Luke Little is a pitcher that should garner attention, though. He came up at the end of 2023, and his arm is electric. Little made seven appearances in his short time, throwing 6 2/3 innings while allowing just five hits on 12 strikeouts. He is going to be a problem for hitters on both sides of the plate, and he will be an exciting reliever to watch in 2024.
Setup Options for the Cubs
There is no sugarcoating it; the setup man and closer are the two most important parts of the bullpen. Starting with the setup role, the Cubs have two solid options: Mark Leiter Jr. and Hector Neris. Leiter Jr made 69 appearances in 2023 and had a 3.50 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, .206 oBA, and 28 holds. He kept the other team off the board when it mattered last season, and he will be an excellent option in 2024.
Neris was recently signed through free agency and had a lot of success for the Houston Astros. Last season, Neris made 71 appearances, threw 68 1/3 innings, allowed just 41 hits, and posted a career-best 1.71 ERA. He also recorded 31 holds in that time. Neris had one of his best seasons last year, and he will be precious to the Cubs if he can continue that in 2024.
Closing Pitcher options for the Cubs
The closing pitcher is the most crucial role in the bullpen. It will be a very long, dreadful season if a team does not have someone who can slam the door and help win those close games. Luckily, the Cubs might have found their closing pitcher. Adbert Alzolay will assume more immediate duties and is the only guy for the job.
Last season, Alzolay made 58 appearances, threw 64 innings, and had a 2.67 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He also collected 22 saves. In his first full season out of the bullpen, Alzolay posted a career-low walk rate and ERA. He has been much better out of the bullpen. The Cubs are poised to have many more save opportunities in 2024. With Alzolay owning the ninth inning, the Cubs should feel good about their chances in those close games.
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