Welcome back to the podcast! In Episode 101, I dive deep into how the Cubs are building their pitching staff, including rotation depth, bullpen construction, and the strategy behind their moves this offseason.
Key Topics in This Episode:
🔹 Cubs' Approach to Pitching Depth
The Cubs are prioritizing depth and flexibility to avoid last year’s bullpen struggles.
How they’re structuring the rotation to maximize innings and limit overuse.
Piggybacking and multi-inning relievers: A new approach for 2024?
🔹 Bullpen Overhaul: Who Steps Up?
Ryan Pressly likely to start as the closer, but Porter Hodge, Julian Merryweather, and Tyson Miller could all factor into high-leverage spots.
Keegan Thompson, Eli Morgan, and Javier Assad provide versatility in middle relief.
The Cubs' philosophy: more arms, more options, fewer bullpen meltdowns.
🔹 Rotation Depth: More Reliable Than 2023?
Projected starting five: Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Colin Rea.
Depth options: Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Luke Little, and Caleb Killian.
Cubs might still be in the market for a mid-rotation starter—who's available?
🔹 Trade & Free Agent Targets
Cubs have been linked to Dylan Cease and Michael King—what would it take to get them?
Are they still considering signing a veteran reliever like David Robertson?
Long-term bullpen vision: Can the Cubs build a sustainable bullpen instead of relying on quick fixes?
🔹 Can This Bullpen Hold Up Over 162 Games?
Lessons from 2023: The bullpen collapsed early due to overuse and injuries.
Why a mix of veterans and young power arms might work better this time.
Will the Cubs' depth help avoid last year’s late-season fade?
Final Thoughts:
The Cubs have more bullpen weapons and pitching depth than they’ve had in years, but is it enough? This year’s success could depend on whether their high-upside arms deliver—or if they still need one more big move.
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