Why this Cubs bullpen option is poised for a surprise breakout

The Chicago Cubs' main weakness this year is undoubtedly the bullpen. Cubs relievers are bottom-ten in multiple categories this year, including walks (43), ERA (5.17), and strikeouts (79).

Several arms have already come and gone in the first month of 2025, including Eli Morgan, Jordan Wicks, and Luke Little. With the best playoff shot in years, the Cubs are not willing to give their relief corps much time to settle in, and they are being extremely aggressive with their bullpen moves so far. Wicks and Little were sent back to the minors after just three bad outings between them, showing the team's eagerness to fix the bullpen problem.

One answer to that problem could be Jack Neely, the team's No. 16 prospect. The Cubs acquired Neely alongside infielder Ben Cowles when they sent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees at last year's trade deadline. Standing at 6'8, Neely has a commanding presence on the mound with a blistering fastball and a slider that produced an elite swing-and-miss rate of 55% last year.

Neely appeared in six games for the Cubs last year, where he struggled to find his footing. The big right-hander gave up eight hits, two home runs, and two walks in just six innings of work. However, he also struck out seven batters and got exposure to the big leagues, which will be valuable when he gets his next call-up.

His next shot at the big leagues will likely come at some point this summer, as Neely's stuff is too good not to take advantage of. The man has 281 strikeouts over 176.2 innings pitched, and he has the makings of a set-up man or even closer down the road. Command has emerged as a concern for Neely in 2025, as he has eight walks in 7.2 innings pitched. But hopefully, he can settle in and give the Cubs value from within the organization as opposed to giving up prospects for a bullpen arm.