Jed Hoyer Promises Chicago Cubs Pitching Overhaul After Playoff Sweep

The Pitching Problem

The Chicago Cubs are planning a major rebuild of their pitching staff this winter. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer admitted that the team struggled on the mound throughout the season. The Cubs allowed the most home runs in the National League during the regular season and quickly exited the playoffs.

San Diego Padres swept the Cubs in the wild card round, scoring 12 runs in just two games. First inning home runs by Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado in Game 1 set the tone for a quick exit. Hoyer stated that the quality of the pitching has to improve and that the great majority of their focus this winter will be on pitching acquisition.

Bullpen Failures and Injuries

The bullpen was a major issue, especially during the second half of the season when the Cubs blew several ninth inning leads. Hoyer took full responsibility for these struggles, admitting he did a poor job building the bullpen.

Several expensive signings did not work out. Hunter Harvey did not pitch at all due to injury despite earning 6 million dollars in salary. Phil Maton appeared in 31 games and finished with a high 6.18 ERA, though he is signed for another season for 7.25 million dollars. Key starting pitchers like Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Ben Brown also missed a lot of time with injuries.

Mid season additions did not solve the problems. Kevin Gausman ended up with a 4.83 ERA after arriving from the Blue Jays, and he gave up three runs in three innings during Game 2 of the wild card round. Clay Holmes struggled with an 8.24 ERA in September and never played in the postseason. Closer Jacob Webb also blew three saves by giving up late inning home runs.

Looking to the Future

The Cubs need to find both quality and depth because several players are heading toward free agency. Pitchers like Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Gausman, and Holmes could all leave. Hoyer pointed out that rival Milwaukee Brewers passed them in the division again, just like in 2025, because their pitching has been exceptionally good.

In contrast, Hoyer is happy with the team's batting and fielding. Outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are becoming free agents, but the club has young players ready to step up. Hoyer pointed out that the team's position players performed very well, meaning resources can now go toward fixing the pitching.