Chicago Cubs: 3 (not so obvious) Cubs to watch after the All-Star break

The Chicago Cubs made it to the All-Star break without the wheels falling off their banged-up, wobbly wagon. They’re holding on to the top NL Wild Card spot and a second place standing behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division.

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And they did this under extreme stress and strain after suffering through an unprecedented wave of injuries. In total, thirteen pitchers have fallen to injury since spring training—including four starting pitchers projected to be on the major league roster, their closer, and a handful of high-profile relievers.

Now, however, comes the really tough part of the season.

As the race to the postseason heats up, everything gets tighter for the top-tier teams and, under the pressure, a team’s weaknesses become amplified. The Cubs have several holes to patch up and not much time in which to do it. They will also need to lean on several key players to help them over the hump. The stars, like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, will garner the most attention, of course. But some Cubs, just below that level, will also need to play major roles.

Here are three not-so-obvious players Cubs fans should watch for their post-All-Star break contributions.

Jameson Taillon

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Even when not pitching superbly, the 34-year-old veteran has been a valuable asset during his time in Chicago. He’s consistently delivered innings and has kept the team close in games even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.

With the Cubs starting rotation battered and strained to the point of breaking, Taillon’s steady presence has never been needed more.

He’s due back from the IL after the All-Star break and Chicago desperately needs him to bring some stability to the rotation amid the injury-fueled disorder. He’ll also have to improve on his 5.19 ERA, but at this point, the Cubs may be fine settling for just six non-catastrophic innings every fifth game.

Jacob Webb

The Cubs didn’t acquire the veteran free agent righty this past offseason as a high-leverage shutdown closer. They envisioned more of a solid middle-relief arm who was almost dull in his consistency and dependability.

Over his previous six years in the majors—spent with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers—that’s exactly who he was. He didn’t blow anyone away with his power, but he regularly delivered an ERA in the 3s over 53 to 66 innings.

This season, though, necessity has forced Webb into a de facto closer role, already logging 41.1 innings and posting a career-high 5 saves.

With the wave of injuries washing over the staff, Webb has become the most reliable veteran presence in the bullpen—and he’ll need to keep that up as Daniel Palencia and Hoby Milner, among others, get their feet back under them.

Matt Shaw

The 24-year-old Shaw could play an important role on a postseason-bound Cubs team as a key bench player. His ability to play all around the field, pinch hit, and provide speed off the bench is something the 2025 Cubs lacked as they moved into the playoffs.

But the 2023 first round draft pick’s biggest contribution to an ambitious Cubs team may be as trade bait.

Already a young, major league-ready player, Shaw could immediately be plugged into the starting lineup of any rebuilding (or semi-rebuilding) team at third base, second base, or in a corner outfield position. He’ll likely be Chicago’s most coveted asset come trade deadline—and the one demanding the highest return. If the Cubs land a front-of-rotation pitcher, Shaw would likely be part of that deal.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-3-players-to-watch-after-all-star-break-taillon-shaw-webb/