Quiet Cubs bullpen success story just left for a new chapter overseas

Jed Hoyer has made it common practice to turn reclamation projects into success stories in the Chicago Cubs' bullpen, and last season was no different. Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, and Drew Pomeranz all come to mind, considering their success in Chicago last season, but one who may have been forgotten was Chris Flexen.

Flexen inked a minor league contract with the Cubs last offseason, and the purpose of his arrival was to serve as depth while pitching at Triple-A Iowa. Injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga forced the Cubs to turn to the 31-year-old as a swing man in the bullpen, and notably, he didn't give up an earned run through his first 21 innings pitched with the team.

Once that streak was over, things took a dramatic turn for Flexen. The luck he had during his initial run with the Cubs evaporated, and he gave up 17 runs during his final 9 outings with the North Siders while giving up 7 home runs.

Forgotten 2025 Cubs' bullpen arm just left Major League Baseball for a job overseas

There was no doubt that Flexen was pitching above his metrics while he was getting outs out of the Cubs' bullpen, and as soon as his luck turned, he simply became an option Craig Counsell couldn't use at the Major League level. Flexen was released by the Cubs during the first week of August, and his playing career will continue overseas.

Flexen has reportedly signed with the Doosan Bears of the KBO and likely will be earning more than whatever minor-league deal he would have landed this offseason. There have been many Major League pitchers who turned to the KBO as a way to reinvent themselves before seeking another opportunity stateside. If Flexen can find success, he could be the next Cody Ponce, who reportedly is in line for a multi-year deal this offseason in the neighborhood of $40 million.

The Cubs still have some work to do in their bullpen this offseason. Signing Phil Maton was an encouraging start, and suggested that Jed Hoyer was ready to extend beyond his comfort zone, but in the days since, they have missed out on Ryan Helsley and Devin Williams.

Another established arm would be ideal for the Cubs before Hoyer inevitably turns to finding the next diamond in the rough, as he did with Flexen last offseason.