Cubs Analysis Roundup, Sept 11: Bullpen Struggles, Playoff Chances, Roster Moves

[North Side Baseball]

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis from around the internet. Focus is on the bullpen's struggles, playoff chances, and the need for immediate roster changes, with emphasis on players like Murray, Crow-Armstrong, and the rotation's impact.

• Can the Cubs Overcome Their Bullpen Come October? (Just Baseball). Argues the Cubs' bullpen struggles could derail their playoff chances despite a strong lineup and rotation. Key evidence: recent blown saves, high ERAs from key relievers, and inconsistent performance in high-leverage situations.
• The Cubs need bullpen answers and all options have to be considered (The Athletic). Argues the Cubs' bullpen needs urgent fixes with no clear answers. Key evidence: struggling relievers like Rea and Assad, inconsistent performers like Palencia, and Civale's effectiveness in high-leverage spots.
• After Brewers sweep, Cubs fighting for playoff spot as wild-card standings tighten, series losses keep coming (Chicago Sun-Times). Argues the Cubs’ playoff chances are slipping due to a 10-16 slump, with key issues in the bullpen and starting rotation, including struggles from key trade deadline additions. The team now trails the Phillies in the wild-card race with limited time left to make a push.
• 5 things Cubs must change immediately to avoid NL Wild Card collapse (Cubbies Crib). Argues the Cubs must address multiple issues to avoid a NL Wild Card collapse, citing their recent six-loss streak, Murray's struggles, Thielbar's poor ERA, Swanson's defensive value, Happ's slump, and the need for Miller as a closer.
• Cubs have one roster move staring them in the face that needs to happen immediately (Cubbies Crib). Argues the Cubs should send B.J. Murray back to the minors immediately, citing his poor performance against top pitching and the team's need for more reliable contributors in a tight playoff race. Murray has just one hit in 10 plate appearances since being called up.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong has the Cubs first 10 fWAR season since 1929 (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Argues Pete Crow-Armstrong's 2026 season could surpass Rogers Hornsby's 1929 Cubs season by fWAR, with projections showing he may reach 10.58 fWAR in 15 games, potentially overtaking Hornsby's 10.9697 in a 156-game sample.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm testing a new feature. A few times a week, I have my home server scripted to search various Cubs sources, and post some of the best analysis it finds here. Given that this is brand new, I'm sure it needs refinement. If you have suggestions how to improve this, please share!