Cubs struck gold with forgotten minor-league signing

After the early-season struggles of the Chicago Cubs' bullpen, the unit has not only stabilized but also emerged as one of the best bullpens in all of Major League Baseball. That likely wouldn't prevent the Cubs from looking to add another high-leverage relief pitcher to the mix before the trade deadline, but there is credit for some of the under-the-radar moves Jed Hoyer and company made last offseason.

Of course, there has been rightful praise for the works of Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz this season. Keller was a priority minor-league signing for the Cubs prior to spring training, and Pomeranz was identified early in the season as a veteran the front office can bring into their pitching infrastructure and find success with. There's been another addition to the bullpen this season that has been just as surprising.

After a lost season with the Chicago White Sox in 2024, posting a 4.95 ERA in 160 innings pitched, the minor league addition of Chris Flexen went unnoticed by Cubs fans during the offseason. When Colin Rea was moved to the bullpen, Flexen was brought to the Major League level to serve as the bulk-inning arm in the bullpen.

Flexen has thrived in that role. In 18.1 innings pitched, Flexen has yet to give up an earned run on the season, and it is tied to his ability to keep the ball on the ground. Flexen is depending on the defense behind him, and the .192 BABIP opposing hitters have against him this season is proof of that.

Cubs' reclamation projects have stabilized the bullpen

Now, there is reason to believe a regression is coming. Flexen isn't missing bats this season, with his strikeout rate being alarmingly low at 14.9%. With a lack of velocity as well, there would be reason to believe that the other shoe will drop eventually.

That said, additions early in the season can buy front offices time before making an impact move closer to the deadline. Even if the regression does arrive for Flexen, he has already provided a valuable role in the bullpen, thanks to his success during his initial outings with the Cubs.

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