​Why Cubs’ bullpen is a bigger area of need than their rotation at the MLB trade deadline, originally appearing on The Sporting News. The Sporting News is a preferred source by clicking here. The Chicago Cubs are likely to be buyers at the trade deadline this summer, with the pitching staff shaping the front office’s strategy under Jed Hoyer. There’s been substantial attention on the rotation as the Cubs’ primary need, and for valid reasons: Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown are injured, and Justin Steele and Cade Horton are out for the year.
However, MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian argued that the bullpen should take precedence this summer. Instead of adding another starter, the Cubs should target a late-inning reliever by the August 3 deadline. “Chicago’s need for rotation help is clear, but the front office shouldn’t overlook the bullpen at the deadline,” Bastian writes. “… While some pitchers are on the comeback trail, the Cubs really could benefit from a more reliable stopper to help anchor manager Craig Counsell’s bullpen.”
The 50-40 Cubs are expected to pursue pitching upgrades at the deadline, and while many will focus on the rotation, the bullpen remains a key area for improvement. Daniel Palencia, the flamethrowing closer, is on the injured list and out for an extended period this season. Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, Riley Martin, and Ethan Roberts are also on the IL and will return at some point, but Porter Hodge, Shelby Miller, and Hunter Harvey are likewise sidelined with long recovery timelines, leaving the Cubs’ bullpen in urgent need of help.
A reunion with Aroldis Chapman would be entertaining, as would adding a multi-inning option like Antonio Senzatela of the Rockies. A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, and especially Luke Weaver of the Mets would also make a lot of sense. The Cubs clearly could use a late-inning reliever, and there will be several viable options at this year’s deadline. Yet with a fully healthy rotation later this season—featuring Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cabrera, Taillon, Brown, David Peterson, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad—the bullpen should be a slightly higher priority.
If there were only one area to upgrade, the Cubs should target a late-inning reliever to gain a touch more security at the end of games. The Cubs should pursue both the starting pitcher and reliever markets this summer, but a single-position priority—late-inning bullpen help—could provide the most immediate benefit.