Spring training is rapidly approaching, but the Cubs still have a few holes to fill before games begin. The 2024 season was a rough one in Chicago, and the main reason was the bullpen. During the rough stretch between May and July, no lead felt safe. Whether the offense had built a three-run lead or was clinging to a one-run advantage, there was a good chance a reliever would blow it in the blink of an eye. The 2025 bullpen will look much different, especially if Craig Counsell gets one more late-inning arm to work with.
It seems like the payroll will be lower this season than last, although the exact amount of the difference is still unknown.