Cubs: Five things that must happen for a World Series in 2020

Chicago Cubs: The pieced-together bullpen has to be a strength

Let’s be honest- no one has any idea what to expect from this group in 2020, pieced together from spare parts, scrap-heap pickups, and operating room cast-offs, the Cubs bullpen somehow has to be able to mix and match their way to a productive season.

Fans may not know more than two or three guys in the pen, and they may not be able to rely on many more at this point, but one way or another, the group has to pick up the pieces from 2019 and put it together for 2020.

Minor league guys and the “Iowa Shuttle” will no doubt be used this summer as David Ross will have to develop his own style and circle of trust with many untested arms and question marks galore. Will Craig Kimbrel be okay physically, and will he produce? Will Brandon Morrow be able to give the big league club anything after two disappointing and injury-riddled seasons? Will the absence of Steve Cishek and Pedro Strop hurt or help in 2020?

Seemingly duct-taped together, expect to see a lot of fresh faces running out from under the bleachers in 2020. As guys like Rowan Wick, Brad Wieck, Tyler Chatwood, Jharel Cotton, Jeremy Jeffress, Dillon Maples, Alec Mills, Kyle Ryan, Justin Steele, and Duane Underwood Jr. all vie for innings and roster space alongside closers Kimbrel (and hopefully) Morrow.

While it may be a long shot for this group of Chicago Cubs (at least as they stand on February 2, 2020)  to make it to the 2020 World Series, there are some talented pieces in place, and things can always happen in mysterious ways for any club.