Chicago Cubs’ Jed Hoyer admits massive mistake for 2026 season

After being swept by the San Diego Padres, the Chicago Cubs have seen their 2026 season come to a close. The franchise is now beginning to think about changes to their 2027 roster.

One clear area of improvement necessary is in the Cubs bullpen. Numerous players Chicago invested in over the offseason didn’t pan out as hoped. While their 3.90 bullpen ERA may not look terrible on paper, the Cubs ranked 13th overall, the franchise knows they need vast progress in that regard.

Heading into the offseason, president Jed Hoyer knows fixing the bullpen will be a top priority. The team already took one step, acquiring Rob Zeferjahn – who is under team control through 2030 – at the trade deadline. But Chicago will still be scouring the market for other impactful arms throughout the offseason.

As for Hoyer, the executive isn’t shying away from how poorly 2026 department. When it comes to the bullpen, he is taking full blame.

Jed Hoyer takes full blame for Chicago Cubs bullpen

Phil Maton held a 6.18 ERA over his 31 appearances before suffering a knee injury. Caleb Thielbar held a 4.86 ERA in his 58 games. Even Zeferjahn had a 4.50 ERA in his 20 games with the team. Jacob Webb held a much better looking 3.36 ERA overall. But in eight games in September/October the right-hander had a 7.36.

There were some highlights, but overall, Chicago’s bullpen wasn’t one of their strengths. And for that, Hoyer will take in on the chin, via Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

“I did a poor job on the bullpen this year. Full stop,” Hoyer said. “The guys we acquired this winter didn’t produce nearly as well as a year ago.”

The Cubs are preparing for their roster to look much different in 2027. But their eyes remain fixated on competing for a World Series title. To do so, Hoyer knows he’ll need to invest more into the bullpen.

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