Cubs Explore Reunion with Rockies’ Unorthodox Reliever — Could Tyler Kinley Be the Missing Bullpen Piece?.vc
CHICAGO —
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for an offseason filled with difficult decisions — including the fate of star outfielder Kyle Tucker — the front office is quietly exploring a different kind of move: a possible reunion with Colorado Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley, one of baseball’s most unconventional arms.
A Need for Creativity in the Bullpen
While Tucker’s looming free agency will dominate headlines, insiders say the Cubs are equally focused on shoring up a bullpen that struggled to find consistency late in 2025. Chicago’s relief corps ranked middle of the pack in ERA and strikeout rate — respectable, but far from championship-caliber.
That’s where Kinley comes in. The 33-year-old right-hander, known for his quirky mechanics and deceptive delivery, brings an unpredictability that hitters find hard to time. His ability to change arm angles and speeds gives him a rare edge — the kind of “chaos pitcher” the Cubs have lacked since their 2021 playoff runs.
“He’s not your traditional reliever,” one NL scout told The Athletic. “But when he’s on, he makes batters look completely lost. That kind of deception can be a weapon in the late innings.”
The Case for a Reunion
Kinley’s first stint with Chicago was brief but memorable, and his tenure in Colorado showcased his evolution. Despite the hitter-friendly conditions of Coors Field, he posted stretches of dominance — including a 0.75 ERA over 24 innings during one of his peak runs in 2024.
For a Cubs bullpen that leaned heavily on predictable power arms last season, Kinley offers contrast. His off-tempo sliders and sidearm sinkers could complement flamethrowers like Adbert Alzolay and Luke Little, giving manager Craig Counsell more flexibility in matchup management.
A reunion would also bring familiarity — Kinley knows the Cubs’ organization and pitching philosophy, potentially easing his reintegration into a bullpen that values adaptability and mental toughness.
Balancing Priorities
Still, this move would come as part of a larger balancing act. The Cubs’ front office, led by Jed Hoyer, must weigh the financial commitment needed to retain Tucker against the need for bullpen stability. Investing in a low-risk, high-upside reliever like Kinley could be a savvy play while the team pursues bigger names on the market.
“You can’t just build with stars,” one team official noted. “You need role players who bring something different — especially in October.”
A Calculated Gamble
If the Cubs do pursue Kinley, it would signal a willingness to embrace experimentation — something that defined their rise in the mid-2010s. His mechanics might not fit the mold, but neither did the Cubs when they last shocked the league.
And with Counsell’s tactical mind guiding a roster built on versatility, a pitcher who thrives on chaos might be exactly what Chicago needs to regain its edge.
