The biggest project the Chicago Cubs faced heading into the offseason was reconstructing their bullpen. After an early trade of Andrew Kittredge back to the Baltimore Orioles, Daniel Palencia was suddenly the only high-leverage relief pitcher used last season that was penciled into the Opening Day bullpen in 2026.
While the Cubs have yet to add another top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher and remain entrenched in the Alex Bregman drama, they actually have done a fine job of rounding out the bullpen.
Projecting a 2026 Cubs bullpen after Caleb Thielbar's signing.
It remains to be seen if the Cubs will continue to explore the free-agent market for an established closer.