MLB insider says Cubs' second-half weakness could wipe out their biggest strength

While the Chicago Cubs have plenty left to play for during the regular season, the postseason will be here sooner than people expect. And that means it's time to start picking apart the rosters of each of the playoff contenders, especially as more teams punch their tickets to October. So, where to start? ESPN's Brad Doolittle laid out what he thinks every team's biggest strength and biggest weakness is, and for the Cubs, the significant weakness is something they've had to deal with a bit too often over the last few years.

Now that it looks like general manager Carter Hawkins will be back, he needs to start looking for better bullpen help this offseason. While the 2025 Cubs managed to overcome what Doolittle sees as a significant weakness, the relief corps could be better, and that could lead to winning the NL Central next season rather than just getting a Wild Card bid.

As far as the Chicago Cubs' biggest strength in 2025? The ESPN analyst didn't precisely deliver a revelation. He said the offense was where the team really succeeded this summer.

The Chicago Cubs still have a bullpen problem

"Things have slowed over the second half, but the Cubs' attack has been one of baseball's most productive and exciting over the course of the season," Doolittle wrote. "Chicago leads the majors in secondary average (patience and power), isolated power and team-level power-speed number. The production has come from up and down the lineup, giving the Cubs one of their deepest offenses in years."

As far as the bullpen goes, Doolittle made it clear he thinks the loss of Daniel Palencia has only underlined what was already an issue this year - and one that was only exacerbated by the front office's cautious approach at the trade deadline.

"Since the All-Star break, the Cubs' relief ERA (4.40) is middle of the pack. For the most part, Craig Counsell has pieced things together, but the lack of impact acquisitions during the season, with the exception of Andrew Kittredge, might undermine the Cubs once the postseason arrives."

The Chicago Cubs will need to figure out a fix in the postseason for sure. If the relief corps struggles next month, expect increased pressure on Hawkins and Jed Hoyer to invest in the pen. After all, it's the offseason where they can take a look at the bullpen and really address a weakness that has been there for several years in a row.