Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the under-the-radar bullpen trade targets the Cubs are looking at before the deadline?
The Cubs are looking at Drew Anderson, Jacob Latz, Anthony Bender, Pete Fairbanks, and Antonio Senzatela as under-the-radar bullpen options. The primary goal is to add relievers who can pile up strikeouts in high-leverage situations.
Who is Jacob Latz and why would he be a good fit for the Cubs bullpen?
Jacob Latz is a 30-year-old lefty reliever for the Texas Rangers and an All-Star in 2026, posting a 1.80 ERA with a 28.0 K% and a 95mph fastball. He's under team control through 2031 and is a native of Lemont, Illinois, making him a hometown fit on top of being a quality arm.
What are Pete Fairbanks' splits against right-handed and left-handed hitters in 2026?
Against right-handed hitters, Fairbanks has a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts and just 1 home run allowed, but he's been destroyed by lefties with a 9.64 ERA and 7 home runs allowed. The Cubs could potentially limit his exposure to left-handed bats to get the most out of him.
How has Anthony Bender performed in his MLB career with the Marlins?
Bender has a 2.97 ERA across 218 career innings with the Marlins and in 2026 has a 2.62 ERA, 29.3 K%, and a 44% ground ball rate. He's under team control beyond 2026 as he'll be arb-eligible next year, making him a more affordable alternative to bigger names like Luke Weaver.
How has Drew Anderson performed since late April 2026?
Since April 24, Anderson has recorded a 3.44 ERA with an impressive 30.6 K%, showing a noticeable improvement over his season-long numbers. His increased velocity after returning from pitching in Japan and South Korea has been a big factor in his better results.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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