The Chicago Cubs are entering the second half of the season with one of the top relief pitching units in Major League Baseball, holding the sixth-best bullpen ERA. As the race for postseason positioning intensifies, the Cubs are exploring opportunities to bolster their pitching staff ahead of October, focusing on adding depth to their bullpen to maintain their competitive edge.
Among potential targets is right-handed reliever Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, who has demonstrated significant improvement this year despite pitching in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. With a solid 3.62 ERA over 40 appearances and an impressive 1.71 ERA in home games, Bird’s performance suggests he could be a valuable addition for teams aiming to strengthen their pitching for the stretch run.
Trade Deadline Buzz: Jake Bird as a Strategic Acquisition
Insider Nick Villano of FanSided has highlighted Bird as a likely trade candidate, noting the Cubs’ interest in enhancing their bullpen depth as they aim to secure the National League Central division title. Villano commented,
“The relief pitcher probably isn’t going to many situations and becoming the closer, but relief pitching depth is something literally every team in the league could use right now. Every single playoff team would welcome Bird on their roster today.”
—Nick Villano, Sports Analyst
With the Cubs perched atop their division and coming off a key series win against the Yankees, timing is ideal for proactive roster moves, ensuring the team can sustain its momentum and remain prepared for the challenges of postseason competition.
Potential Impact of Adding Jake Bird to the Cubs’ Bullpen
Adding Bird would not only deepen the Cubs’ bullpen but also provide vital support amid a season where injuries have affected their starting rotation. In a closely contested division race, having reliable arms like Bird available for relief appearances may prove crucial for late-game situations and overall pitching flexibility as October nears.
As the Cubs look forward, integrating a pitcher of Bird’s caliber could enhance the team’s ability to manage high-pressure moments in the playoffs, reinforcing their pursuit of a successful postseason run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Jake Bird throw?
A. Overview of Jake Bird’s Pitching Jake Bird has delivered 4,749 tracked pitches through the PITCHf/x system from 2021 to 2025. These pitches include appearances in MLB Regular Season, Spring Training, and Fall/Winter Ball. In 2025, Bird mainly used a Sinker at 94 mph, a Slider at 84 mph, and a Curve at 80 mph.