Cubs' Bullpen Build: A Lesson in Flexibility and Depth
The Chicago Cubs are starting from scratch when it comes to building their 2026 bullpen, with a clean slate that offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with different approaches. Manager Craig Counsell's candid assessment of his team's performance last season - "we were wrong" on what they thought they had in terms of bullpen talent - serves as a wake-up call to adapt and evolve.
The Cubs' offseason strategy is centered around acquiring a mix of veteran arms and young, hungry relievers. Phil Maton, signed to a two-year deal, is the first of his kind in president Jed Hoyer's tenure, marking a new precedent for multiyear contracts with relief pitchers. While not as expensive as Craig Kimbrel's three-year, $43 million deal in 2019, Maton's smaller commitment still indicates a growing trend in the market.
The Cubs' normal approach to bullpen construction is one of "volume," relying on minor-league signings, trades, and waiver claims to build depth. While signing Hoby Milner to a one-year contract may not fully embody this philosophy, it does contain elements of the volume approach. The low-risk financial investment paired with the potential for a breakout year makes him an attractive addition.
With Maton and Milner joining forces with young relievers Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge, the Cubs are looking to create a more balanced bullpen that can weather any storm. However, the lesson from last season is clear: it's essential to be adaptable and flexible in order to succeed. As manager Craig Counsell aptly put it, "get a bunch of good arms" and see what happens.
The Cubs' strong defense will undoubtedly play a significant role in their bullpen strategy, particularly with pitchers like Milner who thrive on soft contact and ground balls. By emphasizing this aspect of the game, the Cubs hope to reduce reliance on defense and create more consistency.
As the offseason wears on, one thing is clear: the Cubs are taking a thoughtful and calculated approach to building their 2026 bullpen. With a mix of veterans and young talent, they're poised to create a deeper, more resilient unit that will serve them well in the years to come.
The Chicago Cubs are starting from scratch when it comes to building their 2026 bullpen, with a clean slate that offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with different approaches. Manager Craig Counsell's candid assessment of his team's performance last season - "we were wrong" on what they thought they had in terms of bullpen talent - serves as a wake-up call to adapt and evolve.
The Cubs' offseason strategy is centered around acquiring a mix of veteran arms and young, hungry relievers. Phil Maton, signed to a two-year deal, is the first of his kind in president Jed Hoyer's tenure, marking a new precedent for multiyear contracts with relief pitchers. While not as expensive as Craig Kimbrel's three-year, $43 million deal in 2019, Maton's smaller commitment still indicates a growing trend in the market.
The Cubs' normal approach to bullpen construction is one of "volume," relying on minor-league signings, trades, and waiver claims to build depth. While signing Hoby Milner to a one-year contract may not fully embody this philosophy, it does contain elements of the volume approach. The low-risk financial investment paired with the potential for a breakout year makes him an attractive addition.
With Maton and Milner joining forces with young relievers Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge, the Cubs are looking to create a more balanced bullpen that can weather any storm. However, the lesson from last season is clear: it's essential to be adaptable and flexible in order to succeed. As manager Craig Counsell aptly put it, "get a bunch of good arms" and see what happens.
The Cubs' strong defense will undoubtedly play a significant role in their bullpen strategy, particularly with pitchers like Milner who thrive on soft contact and ground balls. By emphasizing this aspect of the game, the Cubs hope to reduce reliance on defense and create more consistency.
As the offseason wears on, one thing is clear: the Cubs are taking a thoughtful and calculated approach to building their 2026 bullpen. With a mix of veterans and young talent, they're poised to create a deeper, more resilient unit that will serve them well in the years to come.
. It's like they're saying "we've been playing it safe for too long" and now it's time to think outside the box 
. President Jed Hoyer is clearly trying to make a statement about bullpen construction, and I'm here for it 
. The fact that he's investing in multiple years with relief pitchers shows that they're not just going to throw money at problems, but actually trying to build something sustainable 
.
It's like Craig Counsell said, "get a bunch of good arms" and see what happens. It's all about being flexible and willing to make changes when necessary 
. The Cubs' decision to focus on soft contact hitters will definitely pay off if they can get their bullpen game together 
.
. Phil Maton's deal may seem low-risk, but what does that mean for the overall payroll picture? Are we seeing a shift in how teams approach bullpen construction and player contracts? 
Only time will tell!
. i mean phil maton's a nice addition and all, but cubs are basically saying they're gonna rely on the "magic" of young arms like palencia and hodge to make up for their lack of depth in the bullpen 
. i'm all for giving them a chance tho... maybe this is the year they figure out how to actually build a decent bullpen 
The Cubs are doin' it right this time around though - bring in some vets, grab a few young guns, and see how it all shakes out. It's not rocket science, but teams always makin' it harder than it needs to be 
. And I love how Counsell is all about being flexible and adaptable - its a great reminder for us all to be open to change and try new things 
! I know they got a clean slate last season and were like "we were wrong" on what we thought we had but now they're getting real 
. signing phil maton to a 2yr deal is lowkey genius 
Craig Counsell's got the right approach, get a bunch of good arms and see what happens 
, so they can focus on finding that perfect bullpen balance. I'm all for the "volume" approach too - it's not always about throwing money at the problem, sometimes you just gotta make some smart signings like with Hoby Milner 
!