It only took one series for Cubs fans to fear another deadline disaster

The Chicago Cubs shuffled their bullpen around during their series against the Seattle Mariners this past week, but it wasn't that helpful. Out was Genesis Cabrera as he was designated for assignment on Saturday morning, following an ugly showing in Friday's loss, and back with the team was Nate Pearson. It only took Pearson one return appearance to remind Cubs fans why he was sent down to Triple-A earlier this season.

Pitching the final two frames of Sunday's loss to the Mariners, Pearson was tagged for 5 runs on 5 hits with 2 walks. While Pearson has a fastball that can reach triple digits, the issue has been that he's been prone to giving up hard contact. He has since been optioned back Triple-A Iowa.

Overall, that is a major weakness of the Cubs' bullpen. The Cubs couldn't help but express, in so many ways, how their bullpen has quietly become one of the best units in baseball after struggling during the opening month of the season. There's no doubt that the bullpen has stabilized, but in the eye test, it came up short. The Achilles' Heel of the Cubs' bullpen is the same liability as the rotation; they don't have enough pitchers who can miss bats.

Cubs’ biggest deadline need couldn’t be clearer after early wake-up call

The biggest takeaway from the Cubs' flop against the Mariners this weekend should be that Wrigley Field is going to play to the hitters this summer. With that being the case, the reliance for the bullpen can't be on the fielders behind them to make plays. The reliance needs to be on missing bats. As it stands, only Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia are relievers who have proven they can miss bats on a consistent basis.

As the Cubs map out their blueprint for the trade deadline, the bullpen can't be ignored. Sure, adding a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher remains at the top of the list, but the Cubs must add a relief pitcher who can enter a game with the expectation of making hitters miss.

While it is a seller's market, the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins have a handful of relief pitchers who can check that box for the Cubs. Of course, Mason Miller of the Athletics remains out there, but a trade for him would likely mean the Cubs aren't adding a frontline starting pitcher.

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