Caleb Kilian has yet to have the opportunity this year to demonstrate his potential as a reliable relief pitcher. During Spring Training, he showcased an impressive fastball that occasionally reached 98 miles per hour, making him a strong candidate for the Cubs’ bullpen in 2025. However, his past experiences in Major League Baseball, where he struggled in several starts during 2022 and 2023, raise questions about his readiness for a more significant role.
Gavin Hollowell, on the other hand, was recently claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks last month. Prior to that, he had been picked up by the Diamondbacks from the Colorado Rockies, where he had pitched in 32 games over the last two seasons. His performance was less than stellar, as he recorded a 6.20 ERA and a 1.475 WHIP during his time with the Rockies.
For Jorge López, his 2024 season has come to an unfortunate end. After being acquired by the Cubs following his release from the Mets, López performed admirably, posting a 2.03 ERA and a 1.088 WHIP across 24 relief appearances. As he is set to enter free agency at the end of the season, it would be wise for the Cubs to consider extending an invitation for him to return next year, given his solid contributions during his brief stint with the team.
As for Trey Wingenter, he represents a player who may not be remembered in the long run. His time with the Cubs might fade into obscurity, leading fans to later ponder, “Did he really play for the Cubs?”
In the meantime, the excitement continues as the Cubs prepare for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans can look forward to the game preview, which will be posted shortly at 3:30 p.m. CT, providing insights and updates on the team’s current roster and performance.
The Cubs’ recent roster moves reflect their ongoing strategy to optimize their lineup and bullpen as the season progresses. With Kilian and Hollowell stepping into new roles, the coaching staff will be keen to see how these changes impact the team’s performance. While Kilian aims to establish himself in relief, Hollowell will be looking to find his footing after a rocky tenure with the Rockies. Meanwhile, López’s departure signifies a loss for the bullpen, although his successful stint offers hope for future contributions if he re-signs.
As the season unfolds, these roster adjustments highlight the Cubs’ commitment to building a competitive team capable of making a push for postseason play. Each player’s performance will be scrutinized, as fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on how these shifts in the roster affect the team’s overall success.