The Chicago Cubs are taking a more measured approach to constructing their 2026 bullpen, signing veterans and relying on depth rather than committing big bucks to top relievers.
According to manager Craig Counsell, the team underestimated its bullpen's performance last season, but ultimately discovered it had several effective arms that could step up when needed. The key takeaway from this experience is getting a mix of good pitchers and being prepared to make adjustments during the season.
So far, the Cubs have signed Phil Maton to a two-year deal and agreed on a one-year contract with Hoby Milner. These moves indicate a shift away from the team's traditional "volume approach," which has historically involved taking smaller deals on pitchers with the hopes of finding hidden gems.
Maton's signing was notable because it marked the first time since Craig Kimbrel in 2019 that a reliever signed a multi-year deal with the Cubs. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged that the market for such deals moved quickly, but he prefers to stick to his team's traditional approach, which relies on smaller commitments and a reliance on pitching infrastructure.
The Cubs are still in the process of filling out their bullpen, with several spots remaining to be filled through major league signings, young players in the system, and minor league deals. However, Hoyer believes that this approach will provide more stability and allow the team to "take some randomness out of the game" by having a stronger defense.
The addition of Milner, another soft-throwing finesse pitcher with a high ground-ball rate, could also play to the Cubs' strength in their defense. While his signing doesn't fully embody the volume approach, it does contain elements, including a low-risk financial investment and potential for a breakout or bounce-back year.
Overall, the Cubs are taking a more cautious approach to building their bullpen, prioritizing depth over big-name signings. This strategy may provide more stability in the long run, but it also means that the team will have to be patient and willing to adapt as the season unfolds.
According to manager Craig Counsell, the team underestimated its bullpen's performance last season, but ultimately discovered it had several effective arms that could step up when needed. The key takeaway from this experience is getting a mix of good pitchers and being prepared to make adjustments during the season.
So far, the Cubs have signed Phil Maton to a two-year deal and agreed on a one-year contract with Hoby Milner. These moves indicate a shift away from the team's traditional "volume approach," which has historically involved taking smaller deals on pitchers with the hopes of finding hidden gems.
Maton's signing was notable because it marked the first time since Craig Kimbrel in 2019 that a reliever signed a multi-year deal with the Cubs. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged that the market for such deals moved quickly, but he prefers to stick to his team's traditional approach, which relies on smaller commitments and a reliance on pitching infrastructure.
The Cubs are still in the process of filling out their bullpen, with several spots remaining to be filled through major league signings, young players in the system, and minor league deals. However, Hoyer believes that this approach will provide more stability and allow the team to "take some randomness out of the game" by having a stronger defense.
The addition of Milner, another soft-throwing finesse pitcher with a high ground-ball rate, could also play to the Cubs' strength in their defense. While his signing doesn't fully embody the volume approach, it does contain elements, including a low-risk financial investment and potential for a breakout or bounce-back year.
Overall, the Cubs are taking a more cautious approach to building their bullpen, prioritizing depth over big-name signings. This strategy may provide more stability in the long run, but it also means that the team will have to be patient and willing to adapt as the season unfolds.
. They had some great relief pitchers last season and I think they could've gotten more from their bullpen if they spent a bit more on top-tier arms. Maton's signing is cool, but it's just one guy... what about guys like Ryan Tepera or Craig Stammen? Those guys are proven performers and would make a big difference in the middle of the bullpen 
. Plus, I think the Cubs are going to get burned if they're not willing to spend on top relievers when the market dictates it. We'll just have to see how this approach plays out over time 
. Last season was a huge letdown with all those relievers underperforming. I mean, who needs top-tier closers when you've got a bunch of guys who can just kinda...get it done? 
. I mean, it's always better to have a solid foundation than to chase after a few flashy signings that might not pan out 
. They're not throwing around big bucks on top relievers and instead opting for a mix of good pitchers and depth. It's like, they're playing the long game here.
. They're not making any drastic moves to shake things up, but instead trying to tweak their system to get better results. It's like, are they too afraid to take risks and make a big splash? 
Now it feels like they're playing it safe, which might not be as exciting for fans who love seeing big-name signings... 
️. I mean, last season was a wake-up call for them, they figured out what worked and are making smart moves now 
. The defense is definitely key in this game, and having pitchers like Milner who can induce ground balls 
will only help that aspect of their game. Of course, it's not gonna be the most exciting way to build a bullpen, but if it leads to more stability and wins 
. If they're not investing in top relievers, are they going to let all those young players develop into actual pros or just stick them in the minors? I think it's time for teams like the Cubs to rethink their approach and start taking some more risks 
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. He seems like a solid addition to the bullpen, but we'll have to wait and see if he can live up to his potential 
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. It will be fun to see how this all plays out and whether it pays off for the Cubs in the long run 
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. The lack of a "volume approach" is kinda boring, in my opinion 
. Can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out!
. They're ditching the high-risk, high-reward strategy and opting for a more measured approach instead. Signing Phil Maton and Hoby Milner is all about creating stability and depth, which can only be a good thing for the team. I mean, it's always exciting to see new players join the roster, but sometimes you gotta prioritize function over flash 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love having a solid bullpen that can step up when needed? It's all about being prepared and making adjustments along the way 
. I'm curious to see how this strategy pays off for them in 2026 
. It's all about finding that mix of good pitchers and being prepared for adjustments, right?