The Chicago Cubs bullpen has already been a roller coaster to begin the 2025 season, but there are some positives to take away from certain individuals in the stable. Relief pitching has been Chicago’s Achilles heel over the past few years and some have made the argument that it has kept them out of the playoff picture in a couple of seasons down the stretch.
The 2024 Cubs had an extremely solid and consistent starting rotation. It was the strongest aspect of their squad and they even finished the campaign with one of the better units in the National League. The front office entered this past offseason knowing that while they have a great rotation, they can’t rely on it being the best part of their team again this year.
Justin Steele going down for the year a couple of weeks ago was a tough pill for the organization to swallow. It places even more pressure on the rest of the rotation and especially the bullpen moving forward until the front office makes some moves closer to the trade deadline.
A few arms have come through so far in 2025 and have been more consistent than others. This includes a certain area of the bullpen that has struggled mightily over the past few seasons.
The Chicago Cubs signing Caleb Theilbar look solid so far
The Chicago Cubs added Caleb Thielbar on New Years eve as the lone left-handed reliever to the squad. He had spent parts of eight seasons in his career with the Twins prior to coming to Chicago and made his return to the big leagues after a five-year absence. Theilbar made a comeback to the Twins in 2020 and posted a 5.32 ERA last season in 39 appearances.
Despite having a rocky start to the year in Chicago, Thielbar has settled in nicely over the past few weeks. The veteran has been put in high leverage situations out of necessity and has come through big time. On April 15 against San Diego, he entered the game in the 10th frame with a one-run lead and held the 2-1 score for his first save as a Cub.
It’s Thielbar’s curveball that has worked out extremely well for him this season and has earned him more opportunities. He has a 3.48 ERA in his 12 outings and 10.1 innings tossed and could very well be the consistent veteran presence from the left side that the Cubs have been looking for in relief since Andrew Chafin was traded in 2021.
Acquiring Drew Pomeranz could be a sneaky move for the front office
The Cubs snagged Pomeranz in a trade with the Mariners last week in an attempt to have more left-handed options at their disposal down the road. The 36-year-old hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2021, so him and Thielbar have something in common along with being the only two lefties the Cubs have in relief.
Pomeranz has tossed in just two games for Chicago so far, but has looked sharp while doing so. He has yet to allow an earned run in 2.1 innings of work and has a pair of strikeouts early on in his time with the Cubs. Even though it is way too early to tell with the Pomeranz, he could be another solid find by the front office who might play an important role in relief throughout the season.