MESA, Ariz. – Cubs manager Craig Counsell sees the bullpen as unique – both conceptually and quite literally.
“They sit together – at Wrigley, in a room – for two and a half hours,” Counsell said early in spring training. “And so that’s a real opportunity to connect, to be close, to learn the game from each other, to just learn about each other, period. And that group should be close, right?”
When the bullpen started clicking last season, the success stories coming out of the position group were about less experienced players performing. Rookie Porter Hodge, in particular, established himself as a trusted high-leverage reliever and is primed to carry that over into his second major-league season.
The team made a concerted effort this offseason to add veterans as they filled out the bullpen. And while age can go hand-in-hand with injury risk, the Cubs were missing that kind of leadership on the roster.
They traded for right-hander Ryan Pressly, 36, who has a wealth of closing and playoff experience from his time with the Astros. They jumped at an opportunity to acquire right-hander Ryan Brasier, 37, who the Dodgers only designated for assignment because of their depth of talent. They signed Caleb Thielbar, 38, who has added velocity over the last five years.
“[Relievers] all are helping each other do their jobs,” Counsell said. “They’re helping each other be better at their jobs by getting their pockets done and maybe limiting how much the next guy has to get up. So, they count on each other, and I think so having mentors down there that have been through that is part of it.”
Kyle Tucker has graduated from tracking pitches.
Vs. Justin Steele: pic.twitter.com/aATr2jLXAX
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) February 17, 2025
This and that
Cubs right-hander Cody Poteet is scheduled to start the Cactus League opener Thursday against the Dodgers in Glendale, Counsell announced Monday. The Cubs acquired Poteet from the Yankees this winter in the Cody Bellinger trade.
- New Cub Kyle Tucker took his first swing of live batting practice on Monday. And with it, he drove a long fly ball to left field off left-hander Justin Steele, one-hopping it over the fence.