Projecting a 2026 Cubs bullpen after Caleb Thielbar makes a surprise return

The biggest project the Chicago Cubs faced heading into the offseason was reconstructing their bullpen. After an early trade of Andrew Kittredge back to the Baltimore Orioles, Daniel Palencia was suddenly the only high-leverage relief pitcher used last season that was penciled into the Opening Day bullpen in 2026.

While the Cubs have yet to add another top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher and remain entrenched in the Alex Bregman drama, they actually have done a fine job of rounding out the bullpen.

Projecting a 2026 Cubs bullpen after Caleb Thielbar's signing.

It remains to be seen if the Cubs will continue to explore the free-agent market for an established closer. Pete Fairbanks and Luke Weaver remain available, but considering the other needs the team has this offseason, each could be priced out of their range.

Daniel Palencia (Closer)

Until another move says otherwise, Daniel Palencia likely will enter the 2026 season as the Cubs' closer. There was a stretch during the second half where it looked rocky for Palencia, but in the playoffs, he emerged as the go-to reliever for Craig Counsell when an out was needed during the middle innings.

Phil Maton, RHP

Jed Hoyer was asked during the Winter Meetings if there was a chance Maton gets a look at closer next season, but deferred to Counsell. Maton has thrived as a setup man, and his ability to generate weak contact should make him excellent in an eighth-inning role out of the Cubs' bullpen.

Caleb Thielbar, LHP

With two lefties now in the fold, chances are Caleb Thielbar will be the other setup man alongside Maton. Thielbar also had success against right-handed hitters last season, which could be the reason why Hoby Milner is limited to being the left-handed specialist.

Hoby Milner, LHP

The cool thing about the Cubs having both Thielbar and Hoby Milner in their bullpen is that, as left-handed pitchers, they have two very different arm slots. This should open the door to more creativity from Counsell as he looks to throw off the eye-level of opposing batters.

Ben Brown, RHP

The best-case scenario for Ben Brown in 2026 is for him to emerge as the bullpen ace. Brown has incredible swing-and-miss stuff, which is why the Cubs haven't given up on him yet, but he will need to find an established role next season.

Porter Hodge, RHP

Porter Hodge is who many Cubs fans wanted to be the team's closer to open last season instead of Ryan Pressly. As it turns out, neither was all that effective at the major league level in 2025. The Cubs almost certainly will give Hodge another chance to find his footing, and if he does, that would be a major development for the bullpen.

Colin Rea, RHP

If nothing else, Colin Rea will be the swingman in the Cubs' bullpen next season. There's almost a certainty that he will make a handful of starts throughout the season, but he emerged as an invaluable piece on the pitching staff last season.

Javier Assad, RHP

Javier Assad's spot in the bullpen is the real toss-up. Assad has minor-league options, and with the Cubs always preferring to have depth, it's likely why he is sticking around this offseason. That said, if someone like Luke Little has a strong showing in spring training, Assad could open the season in Triple-A.

Overall, the Cubs' bullpen, if they did nothing else, has the potential to be strong, but there is a lot of room for volatility. The Cubs would be wise to add another established high-leverage relief pitcher to the mix before the start of the season.