Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Pirates and Blue Jays pens at the halfway mark

This week, the column asks about the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Toronto Blue Jays bullpens after the first half of the season.

It doesn't take a genius to see that Chicago Cubs closer Héctor Neris (RHP, CHC) has a 4.55 actual ERA and a 5.21 xERA so far. The 1.66 WHIP and 4% K%-BB% are terrible for any leverage reliever, and Neris has cost the Cubs plenty of times over this first half of the season. Yet, Craig Counsell says he will stick with Neris until he rights the ship. But right after that statement, the next two save chances went to Keegan Thompson (RHP, CHC) and Colten Brewer (RHP, CHC). Is this now a committee?

CHCSVHDIPERAxERAWHIPK%K-BB%HR/9
Neris, Hector10327.24.555.211.6621%4%1.3

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

An early February run through closers by NFBC ADP.
Feb 6 2026 3:04am
The initial set of BaseballHQ projections is on the board, and we initially wade through it for three things: LIMA A or B+, at least a 20% K-BB%, and at least one save. Here is that list.
FREE
Jan 16 2026 3:02am
This week the column winds up its season with the remaining 15 teams.
Sep 14 2025 3:09am
The column takes an early look at 2026 starting with the pending free agents.
Sep 7 2025 3:10am
A review of the top relievers in August by K%-BB%.
Aug 31 2025 3:06am

Tools