Cubs' returning reliever won't save 2026 but could become important 2027 bullpen arm

The Chicago Cubs' bullpen represents a major weakness as the team looks to lock down a wild-card spot with less than two weeks left in the 2026 MLB regular season. A number of rehabbing arms could make a last-minute return but, as Craig Counsell has said multiple times of late, it's on the guys currently in the bullpen to right the ship.

Left-hander Riley Martin, who has been sidelined since April with a left elbow flexor strain, isn't among the names we've been keeping an eye on - but is with the Iowa Cubs this week for their final games which, if nothing else, tells us he avoided a worst-case scenario.

Both Martin and Justin Steele are scheduled to pitch for Iowa on Wednesday, which at least gives the former a positive way to end a 2026 season that was quickly derailed by injury after he got off to a strong start in the Chicago bullpen.

The 28-year-old made his MLB debut this spring, making eight appearances and working to a 2.16 ERA/2.98 FIP and 0.840 WHIP, showing glimpses of being a potential breakout candidate in the early-going. Instead, he was placed on the injured list in late April and we haven't seen him since.

Riley Martin has clear runway to key role in Cubs' bullpen next season

Looking ahead to 2027, the Cubs are going to have a clear need in the bullpen for lefties who can get outs. Their reunion with Caleb Thielbar this year left much to be desired and given he turns 40 in January, it's highly unlikely he's back for a third season with Chicago. Ryan Rolison is set to return, but there's little depth behind him.

That should give Martin plenty of runway next spring (or whenever spring training starts, depending on how the offseason plays out) to crack the 26-man Opening Day roster. Trade deadline addition Braxton Garrett could also be an option for that role, but I'm sure the Cubs would rather see him in the rotation.

For now, it's up to Rolison and Thielbar to be Counsell's left-handed relief options. Maybe we see Steele in some sort of role before the season's up, but for Martin, it's all about coming back at 100 percent in 2027.

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