The Chicago Cubs find themselves with a surplus of pitching options following an aggressive flurry of moves at the trade deadline, presenting a new set of challenges for manager Craig Counsell as the team heads into the final two months of the regular season.
After enduring a string of injuries that tested their pitching depth earlier this summer, the Cubs bolstered their roster with key acquisitions, most notably right-handers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes. Both pitchers are expected to make their Cubs debuts this weekend in the series against the Kansas City Royals. Alongside them are left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, who have recently delivered performances reminiscent of staff aces.
Holmes, who has transitioned from a seasoned All-Star closer with the New York Yankees to a starting role, is nearing full health following rehab assignments tied to recovery from a fractured fibula. While currently positioned as a starter, Holmes indicated he remains flexible regarding his role, emphasizing a team-first mentality that values winning above positional specialization. “Whatever it is down the stretch, whether they need a starter, the bullpen, I just love being out there when big outs are needed,” he said.
Further pitching depth includes left-hander David Peterson, acquired earlier this summer and showing effectiveness on the mound, and right-hander Edward Cabrera, who is expected to return from the injured list in the coming weeks. Counsell suggested the possibility of implementing a six-man rotation periodically to manage workloads, though he acknowledged the approach cannot be used consistently due to bullpen constraints.
Colin Rea, a right-handed pitcher who has served as a versatile starter and reliever throughout the season, is slated for a bullpen role in the short term but is expected to continue making starts as necessary. Right-hander Javier Assad has also impressed in injury fill-in assignments, including a solid outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Left-hander Braxton Garrett, acquired in a late deadline deal and currently with Triple-A Iowa, adds further depth.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer described the enhanced pitching staff as a major step forward for the team. “Providing more talent and more depth was something that was critical,” he said. “We’ve spent the entire season making outside additions, small [ones], trying to get through the season. Given how the season’s gone, given how we’ve had to consistently make those sort of moves over and over, really reinforcing our pitching staff for these last 50 games made a lot of sense.”
The additions come as the Cubs aim to solidify their position in the playoff race, seeking to maximize their chances for a deep postseason run. With this influx of talent, the North Side club is now tasked with integrating a crowded and versatile pitching staff, balancing roles between starters and relievers while maintaining effectiveness across the board. Counsell remains confident in the team’s ability to navigate these adjustments, describing the surplus as a “good problem” that requires creativity but ultimately strengthens the Cubs’ chances in the stretch run.