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3 Relievers The Cubs Must Let Go
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- 3 Relievers The Cubs Must Let Go
The Chicago Cubs bullpen has definitely had its ups and downs this season.
The Cubs have had to shuffle through a lot of different pitchers in their bullpen throughout the 2026 campaign. Some of these relievers came from the minors ( Ryan Rolison and Trent Thornton ), while some came from outside the organization ( Aaron Civale and Ryan Zeferjahn ).
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Despite how well this group has performed at times, Chicago must get rid of three relievers before it hurts its playoff chances.
Caleb Thielbar
The Caleb Thielbar experience must end. He simply doesn't have it this year after posting solid all-around numbers in 2025. Thielbar currently owns a 5.10 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 42 ⅓ innings pitched this season.
The southpaw has been a major liability for this Cubs bullpen in 2026. He allowed another run in Tuesday's loss, and the team hasn't been able to trust him in key spots. Thielbar also continues to struggle against lefties, as opposing lefties are hitting .277 with a .801 OPS against him this season.
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It might be time for the Cubs to cut ties with him once another reliever becomes available. The team can't trust the veteran to pitch in a playoff game right now.
Ryan Zeferjahn
When the Cubs acquired Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline, they were getting a reliever with a ton of swing-and-miss stuff. He had a 3.66 ERA and a 33.4% strikeout rate across 45 games with the Angels.
But since being traded to the Cubs, Zeferjahn has been a completely different pitcher on the mound. He has a 7.20 ERA and a 21.2% strikeout rate in his first 10 appearances with the North Siders.
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After giving up another two runs in Tuesday's loss to the Brewers , it's clear that Zeferjahn needs a major reset. The Cubs should option him to Triple-A to help him get his confidence back on the mound. This isn't the pitcher the front office had in mind when the team traded for him.
Tyler Ferguson
The Cubs called up Tyler Ferguson ahead of Tuesday's game as part of the roster expansion. Ferguson spent the last month down in Triple-A and has finally gotten another opportunity on the big league club.
However, the Cubs can't rely on Ferguson down the stretch. He has a 4.91 ERA over his last 11 appearances dating back to the beginning of July. In five of those 11 relief appearances, the right-hander gave up at least one run.
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Ferguson has been so hit-or-miss on the mound this season. In Tuesday's loss to the Brewers, the 32-year-old veteran gave up one run on one hit with two walks and one strikeout across 1 ⅓ innings. When Javier Assad is eligible to be called up again, he should take Ferguson's bullpen spot.
