With Ethan Roberts showing a velocity jump and multiple internal bullpen options, the Cubs could present a steadier late-inning mix — punters might lean toward Chicago in close games and target Roberts for strikeout props, while Porter Hodge’s inconsistency makes save props risky until he proves command in live situations.
Cubs Bullpen Outlook: Spring Training Shapes Roster Construction
The Chicago Cubs are preparing for inevitable bullpen churn this season, emphasizing internal development to absorb injuries and performance swings. Only three relievers from last year’s Opening Day bullpen remained by October, and the organization is working to create reliable back-end options from within the system to avoid scrambling during the long MLB season.
Velocity Spike Puts Ethan Roberts on a Faster Track
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy highlighted the value of internal bullpen options and pointed to Ethan Roberts as a leading candidate to make the club out of camp.
Roberts increased his cutter and sinker velocity this offseason — cutter averaging 94.1 mph (up 2.7 mph) and sinker 94.7 mph (up 1.7 mph) in a spring outing against Team Italy — and that jump has translated to more swing-and-miss potential.
Roberts’ improved explosiveness makes him a more attractive late-inning arm than the pitcher who was limited to multi-inning relief last season.
Mechanics and Role Management
Hottovy acknowledged that Roberts wasn’t always used optimally in 2025, but credited the pitcher for doing the work necessary to get back to higher-velocity, shorter-burst appearances. That shift in role and profile is central to the Cubs’ plan to protect starting workloads while maximizing short-relief effectiveness.
Luke Little and Porter Hodge: High Upside, High Variance
Lefty Luke Little and righty Porter Hodge provide distinct upside but carry command and consistency questions. Little shows elite stuff when his delivery is on, but mechanical lapses sap both velocity and control.
Coaches have worked on reinforcing his rotational movement and simplifying routines — including nontraditional offseason work to rebuild feel — with the goal of letting his stuff play rather than overthinking mechanics in-game.
Hodge arrived this spring with high expectations after a 2024 rookie breakout but struggled with command and injuries last year.
While live sessions have shown a cleaner, more athletic delivery and a stronger fastball-to-slider mix, spring-game results have been uneven. The staff’s message to Hodge: separate the practice work from in-game competitiveness and trust the fastball to set up the slider.
Bullpen Depth and Short-Term Roster Strategy
Beyond the front-line candidates, the Cubs view Ben Brown as a bullpen wild card with multi-inning upside.
The team plans to be deliberate with starters Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera, limiting early workload to avoid premature 95-pitch outings.
That prudence increases the value of having experienced swing options like Colin Rea and Brown available out of the pen to bridge innings without forcing starters into heavy early-season loads.
Hottovy stressed flexibility: some pitchers may be developed as starters while also serving as multi-inning bullpen pieces early on. The immediate goal is fielding the most effective 14-15 pitchers for April, while keeping longer-term development paths open.
What This Means for Fantasy Managers and Bettors
Roberts’ velocity gains and the depth chart suggest a potential stabilization of late-inning roles; fantasy managers should monitor spring innings for a chance to stash a high-strikeout reliever.
Bettors will find short-term value in the uncertainty: improved internal arms can make Cubs games tighter, favoring under bets on run totals in specific matchups, while Hodge’s inconsistent command makes save bets volatile.
Market moves will hinge on how spring performances translate to defined roles once rosters are set.
Key Takeaways
- The Cubs prioritize developing in-house bullpen options to withstand season-long volatility.
- Ethan Roberts projects as the clearest path to the Opening Day bullpen after a measurable velocity uptick.
- Luke Little and Porter Hodge possess high ceilings but need consistency; Hodge’s save upside remains uncertain.
- Ben Brown offers multi-inning flexibility and could be used to protect starters' early workloads.
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These factors will shape Chicago’s early-season bullpen usage and influence fantasy and betting markets until roles solidify during the regular season.
Chicago Tribune
