The Chicago Cubs bullpen has already set a franchise record with 13 different pitchers recording a save this season. One of the most recent was Aaron Civale, who secured a clean 10th inning win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Injury challenges forced the Cubs into difficult situations, but the upcoming trade deadline offers a chance to address these issues. The Cubs (62-47) are aiming to catch up with the Milwaukee Brewers (67-41), who lead the National League Central by 5½ games.
The Cubs hold the top NL wild-card position. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer must decide how aggressively to invest in roster enhancements. The team is ahead by five games on the last playoff spot.
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the risks involved: “It’s all risk. It’s risk for the organization in terms of the future and now.” Hoyer’s role involves assessing these risks daily.
One major decision could involve trading prospects for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who will soon become a free agent. Hoyer’s experience is crucial in navigating these choices.
The Cubs boast one of the most talented offensive groups in franchise history. Historically, only four Cubs teams have finished higher in the Offense metric than this year’s team. The challenge is to bolster their impressive offense with stronger pitching.
Recently, Cubs starters demonstrated their potential with a 2.88 ERA over 21 games. Jameson Taillon’s designation for assignment improved this statistic, reducing the ERA to 1.30 over the same period.
Matthew Boyd highlighted the talent within the rotation: “We have a very good rotation. If guys are added, it’s always welcome. It’s going to make us better.”
Despite the talent in the rotation, relief help is necessary. Injuries and performance trends have added uncertainty. Relievers such as Gavin Hollowell, Tyler Ferguson, and Trent Thornton have emerged, but inconsistency persists.
Aaron Civale is among those who have stepped up with a performance during the Cardinals series. But Thornton’s 2.51 ERA contrasts with his strikeout rate. Counsell noted: “A strikeout helps. That’s where the ground ball to start the inning…it’s a good pitch, it’s the result you want.”
Acquiring a high-leverage reliever is costly. The Cubs seek more swing and miss in the bullpen as closer Daniel Palencia returns.
Jacob Webb has been instrumental. He has consistently taken charge in high-pressure situations, earning praise from Counsell: “I give Jacob a lot of credit in making it possible.”