The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen has to show up in 2020

For the Chicago Cubs to be back in the playoffs in this unique 2020 season, the bullpen will have to play at a higher level than in seasons past.

Much has been talked about the Chicago Cubs bullpen during this longer than expected offseason. Can they bounce back after having a not so great 2019? That will be a question that will play out in the sprint of a 60 game schedule.

The Cubs bullpen as an entire group in 2019 was not that bad, as they posted a 3.98 ERA, which was 8th best in the MLB. They also held hitters to a .234 batting average in 2019; those numbers appear very good. When you take a closer look at the numbers, though, it shows the actual story.

The Cubs were terrible in high leverage situations: 7.92 ERA (No. 24 in MLB), 15 home runs allowed (tied for No. 22), 61 walks (No. 29), and a .380 on-base percentage (No. 27). The bullpen also blew 28 saves (sixth-most in MLB) and converted just 57.58 percent of their opportunities (No. 22 in MLB).