Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Pirates and Blue Jays pens at the halfway mark
Jun 30 2024
This week, the column asks about the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Toronto Blue Jays bullpens after the first half of the season.
It doesn't take a genius to see that Chicago Cubs closer Héctor Neris (RHP, CHC) has a 4.55 actual ERA and a 5.21 xERA so far. The 1.66 WHIP and 4% K%-BB% are terrible for any leverage reliever, and Neris has cost the Cubs plenty of times over this first half of the season. Yet, Craig Counsell says he will stick with Neris until he rights the ship. But right after that statement, the next two save chances went to Keegan Thompson (RHP, CHC) and Colten Brewer (RHP, CHC). Is this now a committee?
| CHC | SV | HD | IP | ERA | xERA | WHIP | K% | K-BB% | HR/9 |
| Neris, Hector | 10 | 3 | 27.2 | 4.55 | 5.21 | 1.66 | 21% | 4% | 1.3 |
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Relief Pitchers
Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
These relievers are the ones with the best chance at profit after the first 30 relievers are taken (and after the first 125 pitchers overall) in NFBC 15-team mixed leagues.
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
