Cubs Signal Desire for Stability in Closer Role. Who Can Provide It?

[Matthew Trueblood]

Accidental close “Heart Attack” Héctor Neris is out, and with the focus shifting to the Cubs’ future, it’s time to identify and install the Cubs’ next closing pitcher.

Image courtesy of © Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen depth, health, and reliability have eluded Craig Counsell’s squad at some critical junctures of the 2024 campaign. Yet, amid a late-season renaissance from the unit, the North Siders’ next long-term shutdown closer just might already be on the roster. Let’s take a look at the standout candidates.

Porter Hodge
Splashing onto the scene earlier this summer, the sturdy 23-year-old righthander wields a terse but effective pitch arsenal, featuring a nasty fastball employed 66.2% of the time. With his penchant for throwing strikes and an ERA of 2.08, Hodge can blow it by opposing batters as well as anyone on the team this season, but his youth is what could make him a serious threat for years to come. It’s probably too early to tell, but the possibilities are tantalizing. 

Tyson Miller
Don't mess with the Chicken Man. Since coming over from the Mariners, Miller has more than impressed. Though he is just over half a decade older than Hodge, Miller is elite when it comes to keeping other teams’ batters from reaching base, ranking in the 98th percentile. Versus Miller, opposing hitters have only managed an average exit velocity of 87.5 MPH, and a barrel rate of 7.0%. When Adbert Alzolay was at his best, he forced a ton of ground balls and got hitters out faster than the Old Style kegs run out at Bernie’s. Albeit with quirkier, less overpowering stuff, Miller can do much of the same.

Jorge López
Far from being a “horrible teammate”, Lopez has been a revelation since moving to the “City of Broad Shoulders”. With an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.25, López looks inspired right now. His off-speed stuff dazzles, set up by a sinker he deploys 37.7% of the time. He is a longer shot for this role, especially considering his past performances, impending free agency, and age (31), when compared to his fellow closer candidates, but he touts a level of maturity and consistency that piques your interest.

Honorable Mention
Drew Smyly
Smyly is not a viable candidate to be the Cubs’ closer of the future, but, he’s delivered a striking number of quality, low-stress appearances for the Cubs in 2024. This year, in 50 innings of work, Smyly lays claim to 43 punchouts, and is yet another Cubs’ pitcher with a sub-3 ERA of 2.88. His veteran presence and steadiness are an example of the confidence and stability needed in the Cubs’ next elite closer.

The fact that Héctor Neris is no longer a Cub feels like one of the biggest wins of the season, purely from the standpoint that increasingly disgruntled fans wanted him gone--and so, too, did the Cubs’ brass, evidently. The Cubs need a closer who can get the final three outs better than anyone else in their division, and hopefully, better than the whole rest of the league. Is he already on the team, or will a winter shopping spree be the remedy?

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[We Got The Whole 9]

Likely an offseason acquisition, Hodge, Neely, or Little if he comes back healthy next year. Little could be an outstanding closer as he's allowed just 3 HR in about 150 professional IP. I think his delivery puts some extra strain on that shoulder though which could be a recurring issue.