Jed Hoyer put on a masterclass assembling the Chicago Cubs' bullpen in 2025. Buy-low candidates from last offseason like Caleb Thielbar and Brad Keller had career years and in-season pick-ups like Chris Flexen and Drew Pomeranz also thrived under manager Craig Counsell and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy.
After not throwing a single pitch in the big leagues since 2021, Pomeranz immediately make his mark in the Chicago pen, not allowing a single in his first 26 appearances of the year. He closed the year on a high note, as well, after a rocky July, and wound up starting the team's Game 5 matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.