Chicago Cubs’ Bullpen Faces Challenges as Trade Deadline Approaches
The Chicago Cubs bullpen has revealed its struggles over the past four months, exemplified by setting a franchise record with the most pitchers recording a save in a season. Since saves were officially tracked in 1969, Thursday’s game saw Aaron Civale achieve a clean 10th inning to secure a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. This marked Civale’s first save this year and the 13th Cubs pitcher to secure at least one save.
Trade Deadline as a Solution
Injury issues have sometimes forced the Cubs into less-than-optimal situations in their pitching staff. With the trade deadline approaching at 5 p.m. on Monday, the team sees a potential avenue to improve their roster weaknesses. The Cubs, managing a record of 62-47, are in pursuit of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who are ahead by 5½ games in the National League Central.
Jed Hoyer, the president of baseball operations, along with the front office, must decide how proactive they want to be in enhancing a roster that strongly holds the top NL wild-card position. Entering the weekend, the Cubs stand five games ahead of the final playoff position.
“It’s all risk,” said manager Craig Counsell. “It’s risk for the organization in terms of the future and now, and (Hoyer’s) job is to assess that daily.”
Potential Moves and Experience
One significant possibility could involve trading some combination of leading prospects and young players to acquire Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, soon to be a free agent. Hoyer’s extensive experience in decision-making roles proves essential as he seizes this opportunity for a team that needs reinforcement in pitching.
Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of experience, stating, “And situationally, buyers and sellers and what do rentals get and things like that, and how are people motivated, relationships with decision makers and understanding them, mistakes, success — that sharpens your instincts.”
Offensive Prowess and Rotation Performance
The Cubs’ position-player group stands among the most talented in franchise history. Since 1901, only four teams — 1931, 2025, 1930, and 1937 — have surpassed their current rating in the Offense metric, which considers total ballpark-adjusted value.
Capitalizing on this strong offense by enhancing their pitching is crucial. The team’s rotation has recently shown its potential, especially during a 5-2 visit to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, displaying a 2.88 ERA over the last 21 games. Notably, starter Jameson Taillon was designated for assignment after contributing to higher ERA figures.
“We have a lot of talent in our rotation,” stated Matthew Boyd after a seven-inning shutout. “It’s been fun to watch all those guys.”
Relief Help Before the Deadline
The Cubs also face a need for relief aid with the trade deadline looming. Injuries have limited Counsell’s choices for high-leverage roles in recent months. While relievers like Gavin Hollowell, Tyler Ferguson, and Trent Thornton have stepped up, performance trends add uncertainty.
Trent Thornton, for instance, maintained a 2.51 ERA entering his recent appearance but experienced a drop in strikeout rates. His 11% strikeout rate this season is down from previous years. Wednesday’s game highlighted this issue when Thornton lost a two-run lead.
A new high-leverage reliever may not be inexpensive, even if nearing free agency. The Cubs’ bullpen currently lacks significant strikeout ability. Although closer Daniel Palencia is likely to return in August, additional firepower and experience are needed.
Said Counsell, “It’s just our journey this year with our bullpen. Some of it is injury-related.”
He credited Jacob Webb for handling critical innings over the past three months.