Chicago Cubs may have a bullpen answer brewing after Triple-A flamethrower turns heads

Following a three-game sweep by the Brewers, the Chicago Cubs trail Milwaukee by 10 games in the NL Central. Luckily, they sit with a 2.5-game lead in the NL wild card standings, and if all goes well, they should be playing October baseball.

However, the Cubs have a major issue. The bullpen has been an atrocity as of late.

Cubs relievers have a 3.98 ERA for the season, and the bullpen has slipped to a 4.40 ERA over the last 31 days. They’ve blown multiple leads over the past few weeks, in games where they should’ve won.

Most recently, a few games ago, the Cubs surrendered another lead in the 9th. Closer Jacob Webb gave up a 2-run blast to Jackson Chourio in the ninth inning, which tied the game. The Brewers went on to win the game in extras, sparking another conversation about this team’s inability to close games.

Webb has been particularly frustrating as of late. He has surrendered either a game-tying or game-ending home run in each of his last three save opportunities. This cannot be a trend as the playoffs near, if the Cubs want any chance of getting hot and making a World Series run.

With that being said, the Cubs may need to turn to a familiar face in Edward Cabrera. The 28-year-old flamethrower could provide a spark for this bullpen and should return from the IL soon.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell plans to use Edward Cabrera in the bullpen when he returns

Manager Craig Counsell has surely let his thoughts on the bullpen be heard, and a change in performance is needed.

They might need a change in personnel as well. Luckily, there is some hope down in Triple-A Iowa, as pitcher Edward Cabrera is set to return from his rehab stint (blister) very soon.

Counsell has said previously that Cabrera will be moved to the bullpen once he is brought back to the majors.

During a recent rehab appearance, Cabrera lit up the radar gun, throwing gas out of the bullpen.

Edward Cabrera bringing the heat out of the pen!
Strike 1: 99 MPH
Strike 2: 100 MPH
Strike 3: 99 MPH pic.twitter.com/TMUKgYLH2r

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 9, 2026

This transition to a relief role could help manage recurring blister issues and limit stress on his finger. This season, Cabrera has struggled mightily with injuries and performance in general (5.68 ERA).

Even with his last appearance being a rough one (0.2 IP, 3H, 4ER, 2BB, K), Cabrera will provide swing-and-miss capability, which is desperately needed in this bullpen.

He’ll need to bounce back in a big way to make an impact on this Cubs bullpen.

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