4 Chicago Cubs players who surprisingly earned a roster spot in 2025

The Chicago Cubs have been maddening to watch this season, one that will almost certainly end without a postseason appearance. The ups and downs are part of baseball, but the inconsistency and underperformance for much of the year almost make the idea of the offseason seem merciful.

Then again, that just means more time to stew over an abysmal Chicago Bears' offensive line, so maybe merciful isn't the right word. But if you can get past the team failing to get its first postseason win since 2017, there were some unexpected bright spots on the roster - and these four players, in particular, defied the odds and seem likely to be back in the fold next spring.

Porter Hodge went from Double-A to shutdown MLB closer this year

Rookie right-hander Porter Hodge wasn't on most folks' bingo cards coming into the 2024 season. He began the year at Double-A and struggled after making the jump to Iowa, but has emerged as a legitimate late-inning weapon for the Cubs as the season progressed.

Despite a blown save over the weekend to the Rockies, Hodge boasts a 2.08 ERA and 2.84 FIP in 35 appearances, punching out more than 11 batters per nine. The control issues that plagued him in the minors have, at least, been mitigated at the big-league level and he's been a savior for a team that couldn't come up with a ninth-inning answer for more than half the year.

Adbert Alzolay came into the year as the closer, but ineffectiveness and a season-ending injury derailed things rather quickly. Veteran Hector Neris, brought in to bridge the gap from the middle innings to Alzolay, was forced into the role - one he was ill-suited for - and wound up getting designated for assignment. Thankfully, Hodge stepped up and answered the call or this whole thing could have really gone off the rails.

Jed Hoyer should still prioritize proven late-inning relievers this winter, but Hodge will have a role to play in 2025 regardless, whether it be in the ninth or as a fireman for Counsell in key spots.