The Chicago Cubs have regained momentum in recent weeks, putting together one of their strongest stretches of the season as their offense continues to power the club back into the National League Central race. Even though they have yet to make up significant ground on the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs have remained firmly in contention thanks to an explosive lineup led by shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose resurgence has been one of the team’s biggest surprises.
However, despite the improved play, Chicago’s biggest weakness remains its pitching staff.
A growing list of injuries has forced manager Craig Counsell to constantly shuffle his bullpen and starting rotation, leaving the Cubs searching for additional arms as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
That need became even more apparent after the New York Mets released former Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay, immediately sparking speculation about whether Chicago should consider bringing the right-hander back for a second stint.
While the familiarity may seem appealing on the surface, a reunion appears unlikely to solve the Cubs’ immediate bullpen issues.
Alzolay was once one of Chicago’s most dependable late-inning relievers. During the 2023 season, he emerged as the Cubs’ primary closer, recording a career-high 22 saves while posting an impressive 2.67 ERA over 64 innings, establishing himself as one of the National League’s more reliable relief pitchers. Unfortunately, that success proved short-lived.
His performance declined dramatically during the following season before his campaign came to an abrupt end with Tommy John surgery later in 2024. After Chicago elected not to tender him a contract, the Mets signed Alzolay to a two-year minor league deal, hoping he could eventually regain the form that once made him an effective bullpen weapon. That comeback has yet to materialize.
Alzolay missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from surgery and finally returned to competitive action this year. However, his performances in Triple-A have suggested he remains far from the pitcher he once was. Perhaps most concerning has been the noticeable decline in his stuff.
His fastball velocity has dropped into the low-90 mph range, a significant decrease from the power arsenal he featured during his peak seasons. At the same time, his strikeout numbers have declined considerably, eliminating one of the traits that previously allowed him to succeed in high-pressure relief situations.
Without premium velocity or the ability to consistently miss bats, it is difficult to envision Alzolay stepping directly into a major league bullpen and making an immediate impact.
Although Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is expected to continue exploring affordable pitching options before the trade deadline, Alzolay appears better suited as a long-term reclamation project rather than a player capable of addressing Chicago’s urgent bullpen needs.
The Cubs certainly understand Alzolay’s talent and character better than most organizations after watching him develop through their farm system. Nevertheless, familiarity alone is unlikely to justify a reunion if the objective is strengthening a bullpen with postseason aspirations.
As Chicago continues evaluating potential pitching additions, the organization may ultimately decide that pursuing healthier and more proven options on the trade market represents a far better path than attempting to revive the career of a former fan favorite still working his way back from major surgery.
For the Cubs, nostalgia may be tempting, but solving their bullpen problems will likely require a more immediate and reliable solution than bringing Alzolay back into the fold.
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