Craig Counsell’s response to Cubs latest 9th inning bullpen disaster speaks volumes to season long issue

A year ago, Craig Counsell had the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen firing on all cylinders. The relief corps posted a 3.78 ERA and converted 44 of 64 save opportunities, a 69% success rate. This season, however, the bullpen has taken a noticeable step backward, carrying a 4.00 ERA while converting just 32 of 58 save opportunities, a 55% rate.

It’s a drastic decline in production and reliability from a unit that looked far more dependable a year ago. The lack of a true go-to closer has played a role. In 2025, Daniel Palencia led the Cubs with 22 saves in 25 opportunities, while this season Jacob Webb has taken the team lead but has converted just 9 of 16 chances. Even more concerning, Webb has surrendered either a game-tying or game-ending home run in each of his last three save opportunities.

Further compounding the problem has been the lack of impact from several offseason additions. Hunter Harvey has appeared in just three innings, Hoby Milner was designated for assignment, and Phil Maton has regressed amid injury issues. Then there’s Webb, who has repeatedly struggled to deliver in the biggest moments, leaving the Cubs without a reliable ninth inning option.

With all that in mind, the Cubs once again watched a late lead slip away against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Webb surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to Jackson Chourio in the ninth inning, and Luis Lara delivered the walk-off hit an inning later. Following the loss, Counsell addressed the bullpen’s struggles and the challenges he’s facing.

Craig Counsell’s response to the Chicago Cubs latest ninth inning bullpen disaster speaks volumes to season long issue

A day after facing criticism for leaving Matthew Boyd in too long against the Brewers, Counsell once again watched his bullpen unravel in a familiar scene, as highlighted above. Asked about the latest collapse, Counsell put the responsibility squarely on his relievers.

“This is how you’ve got to win games in the bullpen,” Counsell said. “You’ve got to get outs. It’s our job. They’re going to do it. … We’ve got [nine] guys down there. They’re the guys we’re going to rely on. We’ve got to figure it out.”

While Counsell’s words may sound like a broken record given the Cubs’ bullpen struggles all season, he has reached a point where he simply has no other options. There is no trade deadline left to bring in reinforcements, meaning the relievers currently on the roster have to find a way to deliver.

So far, that hasn’t happened consistently. Still, that doesn’t mean this group can’t turn things around in the coming weeks, especially when the postseason arrives and the Cubs’ season is on the line.

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