Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Pirates and Blue Jays pens at the halfway mark
Jun 30 2024
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?
| CHC | SV | HD | IP | ERA | xERA | WHIP | K% | K-BB% | HR/9 |
| Neris, Hector | 10 | 3 | 27.2 | 4.55 | 5.21 | 1.66 | 21% | 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
Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Returning closers and ineffective closers--this column has both and what to expect.
Jun 28 2026 3:07am
Jun 28 2026 3:07am
This column gets away from closers and looks at relievers who are being used in leverage by their teams. They are divided into groups by current xERA.
Jun 21 2026 3:07am
Jun 21 2026 3:07am
